This Classic House Salad – Quick and Easy is fresh, crisp, and ready in minutes. It uses simple vegetables and a quick vinaigrette. It pairs well with many main dishes — for example, serve it with a warm toast like air fryer egg and cheese toast for a light meal. The salad is good for weeknight dinners and easy lunches.
Table of Contents
Why make this recipe
Make this recipe because it is fast, healthy, and uses common ingredients. You get a crunchy salad with a bright dressing. It takes little time to chop and toss. It is great as a side or a main when you add protein.
How to make Classic House Salad
Follow simple steps to build the salad. First, make the vinaigrette and then chop the vegetables. This salad also pairs well with a warm bowl of cheesy beef and potato soup for a fuller meal.
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, chopped 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
Directions :
Combine all of the vinaigrette ingredients in a mason jar fitted with a lid and shake well to emulsify. You can also add all of the ingredients to a bowl and whisk them together to combine. Assemble all of the chopped veggies (romaine, tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, onion, and croutons) in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine everything together. Top with grated parmesan cheese, if desired.
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Classic House Salad – Quick and Easy
A fresh and crisp salad topped with a quick vinaigrette, perfect as a side or main dish with added protein.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
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 (chopped or matchstick)
- 1/3 cup diced or sliced red onion
- 1 cup croutons (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
Instructions
- Combine all vinaigrette ingredients in a mason jar with a lid and shake well to emulsify or whisk in a bowl.
- Assemble all chopped veggies (romaine, tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, onion, and croutons) in a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Top with grated parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
Store the dressing and salad parts separately for best freshness. Dressed salad should be eaten within a few hours to keep the lettuce crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 1mg
How to serve Classic House Salad
Serve the salad cold or at room temperature. Toss the salad just before serving so the greens stay crisp. Add the dressing little by little and taste. Top with grated parmesan if you like. Serve as a side to sandwiches, grilled chicken, or soups.
How to store Classic House Salad
Store the dressing and salad parts separate for best freshness. Keep chopped vegetables in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. Store the dressing in a jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. Once dressed, eat within a few hours so the lettuce stays crunchy.
Tips to make Classic House Salad
- Dry the lettuce well after washing to keep it crisp.
- Cut vegetables into similar sizes so each bite is balanced.
- Make the vinaigrette in a jar and shake just before use.
- Add croutons last so they do not get soggy.
- For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken or beans. Try a creamy side like creamy beef and shells if you want a richer plate.
Variations
- Add sliced avocado for creaminess.
- Swap romaine for mixed greens or spinach.
- Use lemon juice instead of red wine vinegar for a brighter taste.
- Add chopped bell pepper or radish for extra crunch and color.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other lettuce? A: Yes. Use mixed greens, butter lettuce, or spinach. Each gives a slightly different texture and taste.
Q: Can I make the dressing without maple syrup? A: Yes. Use honey or a small pinch of sugar instead. You can also leave it out for a more tart dressing.
Q: How long will the salad stay fresh after tossing? A: Once dressed, eat within a few hours. The lettuce will wilt if it sits too long.
Q: Can I add protein to make it a full meal? A: Yes. Add grilled chicken, tuna, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it filling.
Conclusion
This Classic House Salad – Quick and Easy gives you fresh flavor with little work. It is fast to make, easy to store, and fits many meals. Keep the dressing separate until serving to keep the greens crisp. Enjoy this simple salad any day of the week.
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