Classic House Salad – Quick and Easy
As the leaves begin to change, and the air takes on that crisp autumn chill, I find myself reminiscing about simple pleasures. One of my fondest memories is gathering around the dinner table with family, sharing stories, laughter, and, of course, a good meal. The centerpiece of many of our meals was a Classic House Salad, bright and fresh, embodying the comfort of home. This salad, both vibrant and nourishing, always brought a smile to my face. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a delightful lunch to savor while basking in the golden afternoon light. Once you try this recipe, you’ll realize it’s a cozy staple you’ll want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This salad comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a healthy meal without the fuss.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Its fresh ingredients and colorful presentation make it a hit at family gatherings or dinner parties.
- Customizable: Create your perfect mix by adding your favorite veggies or proteins for a hearty meal.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with fresh produce, this salad is both delicious and wholesome, making it a guilt-free choice.
- No Cooking Required: Embrace the fresh flavors without turning on the stove — just chop, mix, and enjoy!
What You’ll Need
- 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 (I used Olivia’s croutons, which are gluten-free)
- 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
How to Make Classic House Salad – Quick and Easy
In a mason jar fitted with a lid, combine the dressing ingredients: red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, dried oregano, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Shake well until emulsified. Alternatively, whisk in a bowl until well combined.
In a large bowl, assemble the salad by adding the chopped romaine lettuce, sliced cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, shredded carrots, diced red onion, and croutons.
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together, ensuring the fresh veggies are beautifully coated.
If you desire, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
Variations & Creative Twists
Add Proteins: Toss in some grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even turkey bacon for a protein boost that makes this salad a complete meal.
Fruity Additions: For a zesty twist, add sliced strawberries or diced apples to give your salad a refreshing sweetness.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle some toasted walnuts or pumpkin seeds to introduce a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Creamy Touch: A dollop of creamy avocado or a scoop of guacamole can add a rich, luxurious finish to your vibrant salad.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the salad ingredients in advance and store them in separate containers in the fridge. Just mix and dress right before serving for the freshest crunch!
Slicing Tip: For evenly chopped veggies, use a sharp knife and maintain even pressure as you cut through the ingredients, keeping pieces uniform for that aesthetic appeal.
Storage Suggestion: If you have leftovers, store the salad without the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to two days.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead? Yes! You can prepare the salad ingredients beforehand, just add the dressing right before serving for freshness.
Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it your own.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container without dressing. Consume within two days for the best freshness.
How long does it last? If undressed, this salad is best enjoyed within 2-3 days. Just remember, once dressed, it’s better to eat it fresh or within a day.
Wrapping It Up
This Classic House Salad – Quick and Easy is more than just a recipe; it’s a comforting embrace of fresh, wholesome ingredients that invite you to savor every bite. It perfectly accompanies any main dish or stands proudly on its own for a light meal. I’m excited to share this cozy creation with you, and I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine! Save this recipe to your delicious meals board so it’s ready when you need that comforting touch! Happy cooking!
Classic House Salad – Quick and Easy
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and nourishing Classic House Salad that’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for a healthy meal without the fuss.
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
- 1/3 cup diced or sliced red onion
- 1 cup croutons
- Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
- 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
- In a mason jar, combine the dressing ingredients and shake well until emulsified, or whisk in a bowl until blended.
- In a large bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce, sliced cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, shredded carrots, diced red onion, and croutons.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything.
- If desired, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
Make salad ingredients in advance and store separately. Mix and dress right before serving for freshness. Store leftovers without dressing in an airtight container for up to two days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
