There’s nothing quite like the crunch of fresh romaine lettuce, especially when it’s topped with vibrant cherry tomatoes and crisp cucumbers. As autumn rolls in and the days grow a little shorter, I find myself craving bright, refreshing salads that bring comfort without feeling heavy. Enter my Classic House Salad!
This delightful dish is not just a side; it’s a quick, colorful meal brimming with freshness and crunch that’s perfect for any table setting. Whether you’re preparing a light dinner after a long day at work or impressing friends at a cozy gathering, this salad checks all the boxes. Best of all, it’s easily customizable, allowing you to throw in any leftover veggies you have on hand.
Let’s whip together a salad that not only elevates your everyday dining experience but also helps you move away from those uninspiring fast food options! Are you ready to dive into this crispy, hearty edition of a classic that’s as simple as it is satisfying?
Why is this Classic House Salad so appealing?
Crisp, Fresh Ingredients: The romaine lettuce provides a satisfying crunch that’s simply irresistible.
Vibrant Colors: Cherry tomatoes and cucumbers add not just taste but also a pop of color to your plate.
Zesty Vinaigrette: The homemade vinaigrette combines tangy red wine vinegar with a hint of sweetness from maple syrup, creating a flavor that’s hard to resist.
Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable Delight: You can easily swap in any veggies you love or have on hand, making it versatile for your tastes.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, this salad will win over guests and family alike, transforming meal time into a delightful experience.
Classic House Salad Ingredients
For the Salad
• Romaine lettuce – 4-5 cups, chopped; this crunchy base is essential for a refreshing salad.
• Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup, sliced; these sweet bursts of flavor add a colorful touch.
• Cucumber – ½ cup, chopped; cucumber provides a crisp texture that complements the lettuce beautifully.
• Shredded carrots – ½ cup; add natural sweetness and vibrant color to your classic house salad.
• Red onion – ⅓ cup, diced or sliced; offers a slight sharpness that balances the sweetness of other ingredients.
• Croutons – 1 cup; for that delightful crunch, making every bite interesting.
• Grated parmesan cheese – optional for topping; it adds a rich, savory note that elevates the dish.
For the Vinaigrette
• Red wine vinegar – ¼ cup; the tangy base for the dressing that enlivens the salad.
• Extra virgin olive oil – ½ cup; brings richness and helps blend the flavors beautifully.
• Dijon mustard – 1 tablespoon; adds a hint of spice and depth to the vinaigrette.
• Maple syrup – 1 tablespoon; a touch of sweetness that rounds off the acidity perfectly.
• Dried oregano – 1 teaspoon; infuses the dressing with a fragrant herbal touch.
• Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon; adds a savory kick without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
• Kosher salt – ¼ teaspoon; enhances the flavors of the salad and vinaigrette.
• Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon; brings a mild heat that ties everything together.
Ready to savor the freshness of this Classic House Salad? Let’s get mixing!
How to Make Classic House Salad
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Combine the chopped romaine lettuce, sliced cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, shredded carrots, and red onion in a large bowl. Toss gently to mix these colorful veggies together, letting their freshness shine.
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Add croutons to the salad mixture. This step brings in that delightful crunch you need, making each bite satisfying and fun.
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Whisk together the red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, dried oregano, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a separate small bowl. Aim for a smooth, blended consistency that fuses all the zesty flavors beautifully.
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Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad. Toss everything lightly to combine, ensuring every crunchy piece is coated with that irresistible dressing.
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Top with grated parmesan cheese if desired before serving. This optional addition adds a savory finish that elevates the classic house salad to new heights of deliciousness.
Optional: Serve with an extra sprinkle of black pepper for added flair.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Classic House Salad Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to add your own twist or make substitutions to personalize this salad to your taste buds!
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Grain Boost: Add 1 cup of cooked quinoa for a protein-packed addition that makes the salad even heartier.
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Creamy Alternative: Swap the vinaigrette for a creamy dressing like ranch or Caesar for those who prefer a richer flavor.
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Herb Frenzy: Toss in fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a fragrant, garden-fresh kick that elevates the dish.
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Crunchy Seeds: Sprinkle sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds over the salad for an added crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
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Spicy Kick: For some heat, add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette to give your salad a fiery twist.
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Mediterranean Flair: Incorporate feta cheese, kalamata olives, and bell peppers to transform this salad into a vibrant Mediterranean feast.
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Fruit Fusion: Toss in some diced apples or sliced strawberries for a delightful sweet contrast that balances the crunchy veggies.
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Nutty Twist: Top with sliced almonds or walnuts to introduce a crunchy element and a boost of healthy fats.
Let your creativity shine and enjoy making this salad your very own!
Expert Tips for Classic House Salad
• Freshness Matters: Use crisp, fresh romaine lettuce to ensure your salad has that satisfying crunch and vibrant flavors. Avoid wilted greens for the best results.
• Custom Crunch: Mix in your favorite toppings like nuts or seeds to give your classic house salad an extra crunch and unique flavor profile.
• Balancing Act: When whisking the vinaigrette, taste as you go! Adjust sweetness or acidity according to your preference to achieve a perfectly balanced dressing.
• Prep Ahead: Chop your veggies and make the vinaigrette in advance. This saves time during meal prep, making it easy to whip up a healthy dinner after a busy day.
• Room Temperature: Allow the vinaigrette to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before dressing the salad. This helps the flavors meld for a tastier classic house salad.
What to Serve with Classic House Salad?
Enjoy the delightful experience of a full meal that complements your vibrant salad.
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Grilled Chicken Breast: Juicy, well-seasoned chicken offers a savory contrast to the fresh ingredients, creating a satisfying balance of flavors.
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Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal veggies adds warmth and depth, enhancing the overall dining experience with their caramelized sweetness.
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Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread brings a comforting crunch that pairs beautifully with the salad’s lightness, perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing.
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Quinoa Bowl: A hearty quinoa bowl with beans and spices creates a nutritious side that adds protein and texture, making the meal feel more complete.
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Wine Spritzer: A refreshing wine spritzer with fruity notes elevates the meal with its effervescence, cutting through the richness of the salad’s vinaigrette.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad acts as a light and refreshing dessert, perfect for cleansing the palate after the delightful meal.
Indulge in these pairings to create a well-rounded table that your family and friends will remember!
How to Store and Freeze Classic House Salad
Fridge: Store any leftover classic house salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The croutons may lose their crunch, so it’s best to add them fresh when serving.
Vinaigrette: Keep the vinaigrette separate in a jar or container for up to 1 week in the fridge. Give it a good shake before using again, as the ingredients may separate over time.
Room Temperature: If serving at a gathering, it’s safe to keep the salad out for about 2 hours. After that, return any leftovers to the fridge to ensure freshness.
Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed fresh and cold, but if you want to repurpose ingredients, consider sautéing leftover veggies for a delicious warm dish!
Make Ahead Options
These Classic House Salad preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to simplify their meal planning! You can chop the romaine lettuce and other veggies (like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and carrots) and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days in advance, keeping them crisp and fresh. Just remember to add the croutons and vinaigrette right before serving to avoid sogginess. You can also prepare the vinaigrette ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 1 week; just give it a good shake before drizzling it over your salad. With these tips, you’re on your way to enjoying a vibrant Classic House Salad with minimal effort, perfect for any weeknight meal!
Classic House Salad with Zesty Vinaigrette Recipe FAQs
What is the best type of romaine lettuce to use?
Absolutely! Look for heads of romaine that are crisp and vibrant, with deep green leaves and no dark spots or wilting. The fresher the lettuce, the better the crunch and overall flavor of your classic house salad.
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How should I store leftover classic house salad?
Store any leftover classic house salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crunch, keep the croutons separate and add them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy the salad again.
Can I freeze classic house salad?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing the salad as the texture of fresh vegetables like lettuce and cucumbers can change dramatically once thawed, becoming mushy. However, if you have leftover cooked veggies, you can freeze those for up to 3 months. Just sauté them lightly when you’re ready to use!
Why are my salad greens wilting?
If your salad greens are wilting, it could be due to excess moisture from washing them. Make sure to properly dry them after rinsing. A salad spinner works wonders! Store them in a dry, airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb any moisture.
Can I make this salad gluten-free?
Very! To make your classic house salad gluten-free, simply swap out regular croutons for gluten-free varieties. Also, make sure your Dijon mustard and any other pre-packaged ingredients don’t contain gluten. Always check labels for peace of mind!
Classic House Salad with Zesty Vinaigrette You’ll Crave
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine the chopped romaine lettuce, sliced cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, shredded carrots, and red onion in a large bowl. Toss gently to mix these colorful veggies together, letting their freshness shine.
- Add croutons to the salad mixture.
- Whisk together the red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, dried oregano, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a separate small bowl.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss everything lightly to combine.
- Top with grated parmesan cheese if desired before serving.
