Are you tired of the same boring meals day after day? Looking for a quick way to add freshness to your dinner table?
Imagine a bowl filled with vibrant colors and crunchy textures, offering a delightful balance of flavors. The Classic House Salad is just that! Packed with crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, refreshing cucumbers, and a sprinkle of croutons, each bite is a celebration of freshness. Toss in a zesty homemade dressing, and you’ve got a dish that can elevate any meal while keeping it light. It’s an easy way to incorporate more veggies without any fuss.
Why Make This Salad?
Creating a Classic House Salad is not just about enjoying something tasty; it also provides several valuable benefits:
- Quick to Prepare: With minimal chopping and mixing, this salad can be ready in minutes.
- Uses Everyday Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up anytime.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: You can prepare it ahead, giving you a healthy option ready to grab on busy days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 10 minutes
- Made with pantry staples
- Perfect for weekly meal prep
- Easily customizable to your taste
Ingredients for 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 (Olivia’s gluten-free croutons are delicious!)
- Grated parmesan cheese – optional for topping
For the Dressing:
- 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
Step-by-Step Instructions for Classic House Salad
- Chop the romaine lettuce and place it in a large salad bowl.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, shredded carrots, and red onion to the bowl.
- Introduce the croutons for that perfect crunch.
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a separate bowl: red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss until everything is well combined.
- Top with grated parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips for Success
- Wash the veggies thoroughly to keep everything fresh and avoid dirt.
- Customize your salad by adding your favorite toppings like nuts, seeds, or even protein like grilled chicken.
- Taste the dressing before pouring; adjust ingredients to suit your flavor preferences.
Substitutions & Variations of Classic House Salad
To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free: Substitute regular croutons with gluten-free ones and opt for a vegan cheese alternative in place of parmesan.
Variations: Add some nuts for crunch, toss in diced avocado for creaminess, or mix in some chickpeas for extra protein.
Storage Instructions for Classic House Salad
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For best taste, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
Freezer: This salad is not suitable for freezing since fresh veggies lose their texture once thawed.
Make-Ahead: Chop all the vegetables a day before and store them separately in the fridge to save time during meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Classic House Salad
Can I add different vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, radishes, or even avocado to your salad.
How can I make the dressing spicy?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for that extra kick!
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy it to prevent the salad from getting soggy.
Final Toughts
With the Classic House Salad, you can turn a simple mix of greens into a vibrant meal packed with flavor and nutrition. It is quick to prepare, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Don’t shy away from trying this recipe your taste buds will thank you! Feel free to leave a comment below after making it, and let us know how you liked it, along with a star rating!
Print
Classic House Salad
A vibrant and crunchy salad that balances fresh vegetables with a zesty homemade dressing, perfect for any meal.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
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
- Chop the romaine lettuce and place it in a large salad bowl.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, shredded carrots, and red onion to the bowl.
- Introduce the croutons for that perfect crunch.
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a separate bowl: red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss until everything is well combined.
- Top with grated parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
Wash the veggies thoroughly to keep everything fresh. Customize your salad with favorite toppings like nuts, seeds, or protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking Required
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian