This classic house salad is fresh and crunchy, filled with colorful veggies like crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers. A simple dressing ties it all together for a refreshing bite!
Making this salad always feels like a breeze! I love adding my favorite toppings, like croutons or cheese, for that extra yum. It’s the perfect side for any meal—easy, tasty, and oh-so-healthy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mixed Crisp Lettuce: Blend romaine, iceberg, and leaf lettuce for great texture. If you can’t find these, bagged salad mixes work well too. I often use spinach for a different flavor.
Cucumber: Fresh cucumbers add crunch. If you don’t have one, zucchini can work in a pinch, or skip it altogether if you prefer.
Tomatoes: Juicy tomatoes bring a burst of flavor. Cherry tomatoes are a great substitute—they’re sweet and bite-sized!
Red Onion: Offers a sharp bite. Substitute with green onions for a milder taste or sweet onions if you prefer less heat.
Croutons: These add crunch! You can make your own with stale bread or skip them for a gluten-free option.
How Do I Make a Creamy Dressing for My Salad?
If you want a creamy dressing instead of a vinaigrette, just follow this quick adjustment! Swap out olive oil and vinegar for yogurt or mayonnaise. Here’s a simple method:
- Use 1/2 cup plain yogurt or mayo as the base.
- Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for brightness.
- Mix in chopped herbs or garlic for added flavor.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This method will give your salad a rich, creamy texture while still being delicious! Enjoy your salad creation!
The Best Classic House Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed crisp lettuce (e.g., romaine, iceberg, leaf lettuce), washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges or bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced radishes (optional)
- 1/2 cup croutons
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
For the Classic House Salad Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
How Much Time Will You Need?
This classic house salad recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. Gather your ingredients, chop them up, and whip together the dressing for a fresh salad ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, start by adding the torn lettuce. Next, toss in the cucumber slices, tomato pieces, sliced red onion, shredded carrots, and radishes if you’re using them. Mix these colorful veggies well.
2. Making the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until everything is well mixed and emulsified. This will be your delicious dressing!
3. Combining Salad and Dressing:
Now drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture in the bowl. Toss gently to ensure all the vegetables are nicely coated with the dressing without crushing them.
4. Adding Toppings:
If you like, sprinkle the croutons, cheese, and sliced black olives on top for extra crunch and flavor. These bitesize pieces make the salad even more delightful!
5. Serving Your Salad:
Serve the salad immediately as a refreshing side dish or a light meal. Enjoy every crunchy bite of your classic house salad!
Enjoy your crisp, flavorful classic house salad—perfect alongside any entrée!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Lettuce?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for mixed crisp lettuce, you can use any greens you prefer, such as spinach or arugula. Just make sure they’re fresh and crisp for the best texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep the dressing separate to maintain the salad’s crispness. Enjoy leftovers within 1-2 days for the best flavor and texture!
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing ahead of time! Just mix it and store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. Shake or whisk it again before using to recombine the ingredients.
What Can I Substitute for Croutons?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option or just want to skip croutons, try using roasted chickpeas, nuts, or seeds for a satisfying crunch. These alternatives also add extra nutrition to your salad!
