You don't have to run a restaurant to make your own signature classic house salad recipe. It's fresh, flavorful and easy to make at home with simple ingredients. This house salad recipe will round out any meal and really elevate your home dining experience.
I adore a classic house salad recipe. You know the one – it's that crisp, colorful plate of greens topped with a fresh homemade dressing and buttery croutons that shows up at nearly every restaurant, often right before your main course.
But here's the secret: you don't need a reservation or a menu to enjoy it! Yep, you can bring that restaurant-style goodness straight to your own dining table.
There's something about the combination of fresh, crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a drizzle of tangy dressing that just rounds out a meal so perfectly. Classic house salad is like a little palate cleanser that gets your taste buds ready for whatever culinary masterpiece is up next. I always get a simple house salad at my favorite restaurant.
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What is a House Salad?
Simply put, a house salad is a basic salad recipe. This no-frills salad is typically served as an appetizer or alongside the main course at various restaurants. It begins with a bed of fresh, crisp lettuce – often a mix of romaine, iceberg, or leafy greens. Then comes slices of juicy tomatoes, thin rings of red onion, perhaps some crunchy cucumber rounds, and sometimes even a handful of shredded carrots all topped with a housemade dressing from zesty vinaigrettes to creamy ranch. It's all about that symphony of textures and flavors.
Bagged salads are convenient, but let's be honest – they often leave a lot to be desired in the flavor department. That's where our homemade house salad swoops in to save the day. We eat a salad every night with dinner and this house salad recipe is one of the ones on the table often.
Salad Ingredients
- Lettuce – A small head of lettuce forms the base of your salad. You can use various types of lettuce such as iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, or even mixed greens for a variety of textures and flavors.
- Grape Tomatoes – These little bursts of sweetness add color and juiciness. If you don't have grape tomatoes, cherry tomatoes cut into halves work just as well. You can also cut larger tomatoes into bite size pieces to make this simple salad.
- Cucumbers – The cool crunch of cucumbers complements the other ingredients. You could swap them with zucchini slices if you prefer.
- Small Onion – Thin slices of red onions are commonly used for their mild tang and vibrant color. But if you're looking for something milder, try shallots.
- Croutons – These provide a delightful crunch and absorb the dressing's flavors. Make your own crunchy croutons by toasting bread cubes with a bit of butter and seasoning, or buy pre-made ones. Try my Homemade Crouton Recipe!
- Cheese – Freshly shredded parmesan cheese adds a savory, salty kick. If you're not a fan of Parmesan, grated Pecorino Romano or crumbled feta are great alternatives.
Dressing
- Olive Oil – Use any light, neutral-flavored oil. You can use extra-virgin olive oil if you like the strong flavor.
- Vinegar – Vinegar brings acidity and brightness to the dressing. You can use various types of vinegar like red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or apple cider vinegar. Each will add a slightly different flavor profile. You could also use lemon juice.
- Dijon Mustard – Mustard not only adds a tangy note but also helps to emulsify the dressing, giving it a creamy texture.
- Dried Herbs – Dried parsley and dried oregano contribute a touch of earthiness and color to the dressing. Feel free to experiment with other dried herbs like thyme or basil.
- Sea Salt – Enhances the flavors. Adjust according to your taste.
- Ground Black Pepper – Pepper adds a subtle kick. Freshly ground pepper works wonders here.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Add lettuce in a large salad bowl. Top with tomato, cucumber and onion.
- Prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients together. Pour into the salad bowl. Toss well. Garnish with croutons and parmesan cheese.
- Serve with your favorite main dish or top with a protein like chicken or shrimp.
Hint: Toss all of the dressing ingredients into a small lidded jar, such as a mason jar, and shake well.
Variations
- Lettuce - You can certainly use iceberg lettuce or swap it for butter lettuce, Boston lettuce, romaine, or your favorite combination of leafy greens.
- Dressing - We like a simple homemade vinaigrette but you can use bottled dressings or other homemade dressings such as a creamy ranch.
- More Veggies - Enhance the salad with additional veggies such as kalamata olives, bell pepper, green onions, julienned carrots, fresh mushrooms, broccoli and more.
- Make It a Meal – Turn this into a main dish salad by adding a protein. Suggestions include topping your salad with Old Bay Shrimp, Sauteed Boneless Chicken Thighs or Air Fryer Cajun Salmon.
Storage Tips
- Whenever possible, store the dressing and the salad separately. Once the dressing is added to the salad it will start to become soggy. So if you are making your salad ahead of time, keep it in a large bowl in the refrigerator then add dressing right before tossing and serving.
- Leftover greens and veggies can be stored in an airtight container for several days to a week.
- Leftover dressing can be stored in an airtight container for a week or more.
- Freezing is not recommended.
Top Tips for Making a House Salad
- Start with the freshest ingredients possible. Crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers will make a world of difference in the final taste and texture.
- Thoroughly wash and dry your lettuce and vegetables before assembling the salad. Excess moisture can lead to a soggy salad.
- Instead of using a knife, tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. This prevents browning on the edges and adds a more rustic touch.
- If you're prepping in advance, keep your ingredients and components cold. This maintains their freshness and crispness.
- Adjust the dressing to your preference. If you prefer a tangier flavor, add a bit more vinegar. If you like it creamier, increase the amount of Dijon mustard.
- Start by adding a small amount of dressing and toss, then assess if you need more. You can always add more, but you can't remove excess dressing once it's mixed.
- Dress the salad right before serving to maintain crunchiness. If you're serving it later, consider keeping the dressing on the side.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with additional toppings like toasted nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or even grilled protein like chicken or shrimp.
- While the salad can be stored for a short while, it's best enjoyed immediately after it's prepared for that perfect mix of flavors and textures.
FAQs
Absolutely! Bagged lettuce can be a convenient option. Just make sure to give it a quick rinse and pat it dry before using to ensure freshness.
Cut day-old bread into cubes, toss with olive oil (or butter) and seasonings, then bake until golden and crispy. You can also toast croutons in your air fryer.
Adding a protein to this salad is a great way to turn it into a meal. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sliced steak can be great options to turn a good salad into a heartier meal.
Serving/ Pairing Suggestions:
A house salad is simple to prepare and makes a classic pairing for any number of main dishes especially pasta. I always serve it with Pasta al Forno and my Cheese Tortellini with Sausage and Mushrooms. It's an easy way to add fresh vegetables into your diet. It really goes well with these recipes:
More Salad Recipes
- Fresh Corn and Tomato Salad
- Simple Balsamic Glazed Caprese Salad
- Cranberry, Pecan and Blue Cheese Salad - (Perfect Holiday Salad)
- Easy Kani Recipe - (Japanese Crab Stick Salad)
- Strawberry Grilled Peach Salad from Swanky Recipes
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RECIPE
Classic House Salad
Ingredients
- 1 small head of lettuce washed and drained
- 8 ounces grape tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumbers cut into slices
- 1 small onion peeled and sliced
- 1 cup croutons
- ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or oregano
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt more if needed
- ¼ ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add lettuce in a large salad bowl. Top with tomato, cucumber and onion.
- Prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients together. Pour into the salad bowl. Toss well. Garnish with croutons and parmesan cheese.
- Serve with your favorite main dish or top with a protein like chicken or shrimp.
Nutrition
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