🎉 Introduction
There’s something timeless about a classic house salad. It’s the kind of dish that never goes out of style — simple, crisp, and bursting with freshness. Whether it’s served as a light starter, a side dish to your main course, or even as a healthy lunch, this Best Classic House Salad brings balance and brightness to every meal.
What makes this recipe truly special is its perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Crunchy romaine lettuce forms the base, juicy cherry tomatoes add bursts of sweetness, and crisp cucumber lends a cool freshness. The dressing — a homemade blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup — ties it all together with a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that coats every leaf beautifully.
This house salad is versatile, quick to prepare, and completely customizable. You can serve it alongside pasta, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or any of your favorite mains. It’s proof that the simplest dishes often bring the greatest satisfaction. 🥬✨
🧰 Equipment Needed
You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe — just the basics found in every kitchen:
- Large salad bowl
- Small bowl or jar (for dressing)
- Whisk or fork
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Salad tongs or serving spoons
Tip: Chill your salad bowl before assembling to keep everything crisp and refreshing.
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need for The Best Classic House Salad:
🥬 Fruits and Vegetables
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped (about 1 large head)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
🧂 Condiments & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
🍷 Oils & Vinegars
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
🧀 Optional Ingredient
- Parmesan cheese, grated or shaved, for garnish
👩🍳 Directions
Follow these simple steps to create your crisp, flavorful house salad.
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
- Rinse the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber thoroughly under cold water.
- Pat dry with a paper towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture — this helps the dressing cling better.
- Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the cucumber thinly.
- Add everything to a large salad bowl.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Whisk until smooth and emulsified. The Dijon mustard helps the dressing blend beautifully, while the maple syrup adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the vinegar’s tang.
Pro Tip: You can also shake all the ingredients in a mason jar — quick, easy, and mess-free!
Step 3: Toss the Salad
- Pour the dressing over the chopped vegetables.
- Use tongs or two large spoons to toss everything gently until evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning — you might want a touch more salt or a drizzle of olive oil depending on your preference.
Step 4: Add Cheese (Optional)
If desired, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for a savory, slightly nutty finish.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Serve your Classic House Salad immediately for the best texture and flavor. The crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes taste freshest when the salad is freshly tossed.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
It’s a quick, healthy recipe that fits perfectly into busy schedules while delivering restaurant-quality freshness.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
- Keep the salad and dressing separate if you’re not serving immediately.
- Store the chopped vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- The dressing can be stored in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. Shake well before using again.
Reheating:
- No need to reheat — this salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
Tip: If the lettuce softens slightly in the fridge, refresh it by tossing with a few ice cubes for a few minutes before serving.
🥄 Variations
The beauty of this Classic House Salad lies in its flexibility! You can easily tweak it to match your taste or what’s in your fridge.
- 🥑 Creamy Avocado Twist: Add sliced avocado for a creamy texture and healthy fats.
- 🧅 Zesty Red Onion: Include thinly sliced red onion for a sharp, tangy bite.
- 🧄 Garlic-Lovers’ Dressing: Add a minced clove of fresh garlic for extra punch.
- 🥒 Mediterranean Style: Add kalamata olives, feta cheese, and sliced bell peppers.
- 🥕 Color Boost: Toss in shredded carrots or purple cabbage for extra crunch and color.
- 🍗 Protein-Packed: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to turn it into a complete meal.
- 🍋 Lemon Dijon Dressing: Replace red wine vinegar with lemon juice for a fresh citrus note.
- 🌾 Whole Grain Addition: Mix in cooked quinoa or farro for a heartier salad.
Every version keeps the freshness and simplicity that makes this salad timeless.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. What makes a house salad different from a garden salad?
A house salad typically features a base of lettuce with a signature house-made dressing — it’s often a restaurant’s go-to starter salad.
2. Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Absolutely! Romaine is crisp and sturdy, but green leaf, iceberg, or even a spring mix work beautifully.
3. Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes — it actually tastes better after a few hours as the flavors blend. Just store it in the fridge and shake before using.
4. What’s the best vinegar substitute if I don’t have red wine vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar work well too.
5. Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Just skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
6. How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
Add the dressing right before serving and toss lightly. Keeping it separate until the last minute preserves crispness.
7. Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, honey adds a slightly different sweetness but works perfectly in this dressing.
8. What’s the best way to serve it for a crowd?
Double the recipe and serve it in a large bowl. Keep the dressing on the side so guests can add their desired amount.
9. Can I make it spicy?
Sure! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
10. How do I make it more filling for lunch?
Add proteins like grilled chicken, boiled eggs, beans, or roasted tofu — it becomes a complete, nutritious meal.
🏁 Conclusion
This Best Classic House Salad is proof that simplicity can be stunning. With its crisp romaine base, juicy tomatoes, refreshing cucumber, and a balanced tangy-sweet dressing, it’s a versatile dish that complements any meal.
It’s perfect as a side for pasta, pizza, grilled meats, or even as a stand-alone light lunch. The Dijon-maple vinaigrette brings everything together with a beautiful harmony of flavor — zesty, slightly sweet, and irresistibly fresh.
So next time you need a quick, colorful, and healthy addition to your table, whip up this classic house salad. It’s fresh, easy, and endlessly satisfying — a recipe that proves the simplest dishes are often the best.
The Best Classic House Salad — Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor
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Method
- Follow these simple steps to create your crisp, flavorful house salad.
- Rinse the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber thoroughly under cold water.
- Pat dry with a paper towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture — this helps the dressing cling better.
- Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the cucumber thinly.
- Add everything to a large salad bowl.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Whisk until smooth and emulsified. The Dijon mustard helps the dressing blend beautifully, while the maple syrup adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the vinegar’s tang.
- Pro Tip: You can also shake all the ingredients in a mason jar — quick, easy, and mess-free!
- Pour the dressing over the chopped vegetables.
- Use tongs or two large spoons to toss everything gently until evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning — you might want a touch more salt or a drizzle of olive oil depending on your preference.
- If desired, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for a savory, slightly nutty finish.
- Serve your Classic House Salad immediately for the best texture and flavor. The crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes taste freshest when the salad is freshly tossed.
Notes
A house salad typically features a base of lettuce with a signature house-made dressing — it’s often a restaurant’s go-to starter salad. 2. Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Absolutely! Romaine is crisp and sturdy, but green leaf, iceberg, or even a spring mix work beautifully. 3. Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes — it actually tastes better after a few hours as the flavors blend. Just store it in the fridge and shake before using. 4. What’s the best vinegar substitute if I don’t have red wine vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar work well too. 5. Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Just skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. 6. How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
Add the dressing right before serving and toss lightly. Keeping it separate until the last minute preserves crispness. 7. Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, honey adds a slightly different sweetness but works perfectly in this dressing. 8. What’s the best way to serve it for a crowd?
Double the recipe and serve it in a large bowl. Keep the dressing on the side so guests can add their desired amount. 9. Can I make it spicy?
Sure! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. 10. How do I make it more filling for lunch?
Add proteins like grilled chicken, boiled eggs, beans, or roasted tofu — it becomes a complete, nutritious meal. 🏁 Conclusion This Best Classic House Salad is proof that simplicity can be stunning. With its crisp romaine base, juicy tomatoes, refreshing cucumber, and a balanced tangy-sweet dressing, it’s a versatile dish that complements any meal. It’s perfect as a side for pasta, pizza, grilled meats, or even as a stand-alone light lunch. The Dijon-maple vinaigrette brings everything together with a beautiful harmony of flavor — zesty, slightly sweet, and irresistibly fresh. So next time you need a quick, colorful, and healthy addition to your table, whip up this classic house salad. It’s fresh, easy, and endlessly satisfying — a recipe that proves the simplest dishes are often the best.
