Classic House Salad – Quick and Easy

Name: Classic House Salad - Quick and Easy
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
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 – gluten-free; 1/4 cup red apple 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

Published: June 21, 2025

by Saphira

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
Fresh Ingredients: Packed with fresh veggies, this salad offers a burst of flavors and nutrients.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side or main dish, it complements any meal beautifully.
Flavorful Dressing: The homemade vinaigrette adds a tangy kick without any complicated steps.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like nuts or seeds for extra texture and flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Classic House Salad, gather your tools to ensure a smooth preparation process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Sharp knife
Cutting board
Mason jar or mixing bowl
Whisk or shaker

Importance of Each Tool

Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts for your vegetables, enhancing presentation and texture.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients efficiently.
Mason jar or mixing bowl: Ideal for combining and shaking the dressing without mess.
Whisk or shaker: Helps emulsify the vinaigrette for an even distribution of flavor.

Ingredients

This classic but simple house salad is made with fresh veggies like romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, and red onion and dressed with an amazing red apple vinegar vinaigrette. It makes the perfect side salad or main salad that goes with every meal!

For the 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, 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

For the Dressing

1/4 cup red apple 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

Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette

Combine all of the vinaigrette ingredients in a mason jar fitted with a lid:
1. Add red apple vinegar.
2. Pour in extra virgin olive oil.
3. Include Dijon mustard, maple syrup, dried oregano, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
4. Shake well to emulsify. Alternatively, whisk all ingredients together in a bowl until combined.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl:
1. Add chopped romaine lettuce.
2. Include sliced cherry tomatoes and chopped cucumber.
3. Add shredded carrots and diced red onion.
4. Toss in croutons for added crunch.

Step 3: Dress the Salad

Pour the prepared dressing over the assembled salad:
1. Gently toss all ingredients together until evenly coated with dressing.
2. Top with grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Now you have your Classic House Salad – Quick and Easy ready to serve! Enjoy this vibrant dish at your next meal!

How to Serve Classic House Salad – Quick and Easy

This Classic House Salad – Quick and Easy is versatile and pairs wonderfully with many dishes. Its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors make it a delightful side or main course.

As a Side Dish

Perfectly complements grilled chicken or fish for a light meal.
Pairs well with hearty soups, adding a refreshing crunch to your dinner.

As a Main Course

Top with sliced grilled turkey or chicken for a filling lunch.
Add chickpeas or quinoa for a vegetarian option that’s packed with protein.

With Different Dressings

Experiment with creamy dressings like ranch or avocado dressing for variety.
Try lemon vinaigrette for a zesty twist on the classic.

How to Perfect Classic House Salad – Quick and Easy

Creating the perfect Classic House Salad – Quick and Easy is simple when you follow these tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always choose the freshest vegetables available for the best flavor and texture.
Chill Your Greens: Refrigerate your romaine lettuce before serving for a crisp bite.
Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or your favorite cheese to enhance flavor and nutrition.
Mix Dressing Well: Ensure the dressing is well-emulsified to evenly coat all salad ingredients.
Serve Immediately: Toss the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and prevent sogginess.

Best Side Dishes for Classic House Salad – Quick and Easy

Pairing your Classic House Salad – Quick and Easy with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options:

Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized adds depth to your meal.
Grilled Chicken Breasts: Simple seasoned chicken provides protein and pairs beautifully with this salad.
Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa mixed with herbs offers a nutritious grain option alongside your salad.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with rice, beans, or turkey create a satisfying dish.
Vegetable Soup: A warm bowl of vegetable soup brings comfort and balances the freshness of the salad.
Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping in any dressing left on your plate!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make your Classic House Salad – Quick and Easy truly delightful, steer clear of these common mistakes.

Using wilted greens: Always select fresh, crisp romaine lettuce. Wilted greens can ruin the salad’s texture and taste.
Overdressing the salad: Less is more when it comes to dressing. Start with a small amount of vinaigrette and add more if needed to avoid sogginess.
Cutting vegetables too small: Ensure that your veggies are chopped into bite-sized pieces, but not so small that they lose their crunch and flavor.
Neglecting seasoning: A pinch of salt and pepper enhances flavors. Don’t skip the seasoning in your vinaigrette or on the salad itself.
Forgetting about toppings: Toppings like croutons or cheese add texture. Don’t forget to include them for a complete experience.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Consume within 2 days for best quality.

Freezing Classic House Salad – Quick and Easy

Freezing is not recommended as fresh vegetables may become mushy when thawed.

Reheating Classic House Salad – Quick and Easy

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for 5-10 minutes; however, salads are best enjoyed cold.
Microwave: Use sparingly; heat on low for 15-30 seconds if necessary, but this may wilt the greens.
Stovetop: Not applicable as salads should be served fresh; consider adding new ingredients instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Classic House Salad – Quick and Easy?

This salad features a blend of fresh vegetables and a simple homemade vinaigrette, ensuring it’s both quick to prepare and deliciously satisfying.

Can I customize my Classic House Salad – Quick and Easy?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies, nuts, or seeds to enhance flavor and nutrition.

How long does it take to prepare this salad?

Preparation takes only about 10 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This salad can be prepped ahead of time; just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

The Classic House Salad – Quick and Easy is a versatile dish that pairs well with nearly any meal. Its fresh ingredients allow for numerous customization options, making it perfect for any occasion. Give it a try today!