Classic House Salad – Quick and Easy
Ah, the classic house salad—a quintessential dish that brings feelings of warmth and comfort with every forkful. Picture this: it’s a bright, sunny day, and the family has gathered around the kitchen table to enjoy a meal together. The fresh crunch of lettuce, the vibrant pop of cherry tomatoes, and the satisfying sound of croutons crackling as you dig in—there’s something undeniably cozy about this dish. It has all the makings of a simple yet delightful side, perfect for a friendly get-together or an easy weeknight dinner. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleasing: With its refreshing flavors and textures, this salad is sure to please everyone at the table.
- Versatile: Customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins, turning it into a hearty main dish or keeping it light as a side.
- Nutritious: Packed with colorful vegetables, this salad is not only good for your taste buds but your body too!
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the crunch of fresh vegetables—plus, they can help mix and match their favorites!
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to create your Classic House Salad:
- 1 head of romaine lettuce – 4-5 cups, chopped
- 1 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots or matchstick carrots
- 1/3 cup diced or sliced red onion
- 1 cup croutons – I used Olivia’s croutons, which are gluten-free
- Grated parmesan cheese – optional for topping
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Classic House Salad – Quick and Easy
Let’s prepare this refreshing dish together:
In a mason jar fitted with a lid, add the red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, dried oregano, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Secure the lid and shake well to emulsify. Alternatively, you can whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl until combined.
In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, sliced cherry tomatoes, cucumber, shredded carrots, diced red onion, and croutons.
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
If you wish, sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese over the top for an extra touch of deliciousness.
Serve immediately and enjoy this beautiful, colorful salad with your loved ones!
Variations & Creative Twists
Feel free to make this salad your own with these fun ideas:
- Add Protein: Toss in some shredded rotisserie chicken or chickpeas for a satisfying, protein-packed version that makes it a complete meal.
- Zesty Flavors: Swap out the red wine vinegar for lemon juice or balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile.
- Add Seasonal Fruits: Try adding sliced strawberries, peaches, or even mandarin oranges for a sweet twist that dances beautifully with the savory ingredients.
- Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle in some sunflower seeds or sliced almonds for a delightful crunch and added nutrition.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your salad turns out perfectly:
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare your vinaigrette a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a shake before pouring it over the salad.
- Crisp Lettuce: Make sure to wash and dry your romaine lettuce thoroughly; soaking it in cold water for a bit can help keep it crisp.
- Storage Suggestions: Store any leftover salad dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. However, try to keep the dressed salad separate until ready to eat to avoid sogginess.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Sugars: 2g
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making this salad:
Can I make this ahead? Yes, the dressing can be made a day in advance, and you can prep your veggies ahead of time too!
Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to swap veggies based on what you have on hand.
How do I store leftovers? Store any remaining salad in an airtight container in the fridge without dressing for up to 2 days.
How long does it last? The salad will stay fresh for about 2 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Final Thoughts
This Classic House Salad – Quick and Easy is not just a recipe; it’s an invitation to gather around the table and share life’s moments with those you love. The fresh, crisp vegetables and the zesty dressing come together to create a dish that’s as comforting as a warm hug. Whether you’re hosting friends or just making dinner for your family, this easy salad is sure to be a hit. Save this Classic House Salad – Quick and Easy to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
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Classic House Salad – Quick and Easy
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and versatile salad packed with colorful vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 head of romaine lettuce – 4-5 cups, chopped
- 1 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots or matchstick carrots
- 1/3 cup diced or sliced red onion
- 1 cup croutons
- Grated parmesan cheese – optional for topping
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a mason jar fitted with a lid, add the red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, dried oregano, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Secure the lid and shake well to emulsify. Alternatively, you can whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl until combined.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, sliced cherry tomatoes, cucumber, shredded carrots, diced red onion, and croutons.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- If you wish, sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese over the top for an extra touch of deliciousness.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this beautiful, colorful salad with your loved ones!
Notes
Make the vinaigrette a day ahead for convenience and store in the refrigerator. Wash romaine lettuce thoroughly to ensure crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
