Something about restaurant salads taste so good and I've found the secret, season your lettuce! I've made a basic house salad recipe my family enjoys, and I encourage you to come up with your own simple house salad too!
When it comes to side dishes, this classic house salad recipe holds a special place on the dining table. It's versatile, easy to prepare, and the perfect complement to any main course. This house salad recipe is adaptable, so feel free to get creative with your ingredients.
Ingredients
Lettuce - Use your crisp lettuce of choice, but we love romaine lettuce.Make it more of an American house salad by using all iceberg lettuce. Any leafy greens will work. Even kale or baby spinach are great options.
Cherry Tomatoes/Grape Tomatoes - Tomatoes add a burst of juicy, sweet-tart flavor that brightens up any salad. Their vibrant red hue makes the salad more visually appealing. I prefer smaller over larger tomatoes because they typically have more flavor when it's not tomato season.
English Cucumbers - Cucumbers provide a refreshing crunch, adding texture contrast to leafy greensand have a high water content which aids in hydration and promotes healthy digestion. I love the english cucumber because the skin isn't as tough and you don't have to peel them.
Carrots - Their natural sweetness balances out more bitter greens like arugula or kale.
Croutons - Homemade crunchy croutons are simple and delicious. Simply cut or tear some bread into bite size pieces, toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes until golden. Store the homemade croutons in an airtight container for up to a week. Store bought croutons are always an option as well.
Cheese - For this version of a house salad, I love shredded cheddar cheese for the sharpness, but any cheese you have on hand would be delicious.
Bacon (optional) - For a vegetarian version, leave out the bacon. For the crispiest bacon check out my Oven Baked Bacon post.
Red Onion (optional) - Adds a sharp, slightly sweet, and zesty flavor that enhances the overall taste
Favorite Salad Dressing - If there is time, a homemade dressing is best. I love a homemade ranch dressing, but any dressing will work.
Instructions
Prepare the vegetables
For the perfect side salad, wash and thoroughly dry the mixed greens. Make sure the greens are really dry by using a salad spinner so they dressing doesn't get watery.
Season your lettuce
Sprinkle a little olive oil then a pinch of salt and pepper and toss before adding any other toppings. The olive oil keeps the slat from falling to the bottom of the bowl and adheres to the lettuce. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and shredded carrots. Feel free to toss in any other fresh vegetables you like.
Add optional toppings
Sprinkle bacon bits, croutons and shredded cheese over the top if desired.
Dress the salad and serve
Drizzle your favorite dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated.
Get the Recipe
House Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
When it comes to classic side dishes, the house salad holds a special place on the dining table. It's versatile, easy to prepare, and the perfect complement to any main course. This house salad recipe is adaptable, so feel free to get creative with your ingredients.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper, optional
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 2-3 carrots, chopped
- 1 cup croutons
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup bacon bits, optional
- 1/2 red onion, sliced (optional)
- Dressings of Choice
Homemade Croutons
- 4 slices bread, cubed
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
Salad
- Prepare the vegetables - For the perfect side salad, wash and thoroughly dry the mixed greens. Make sure the greens are really dry by using a salad spinner so they dressing doesn't get watery.
- Season your lettuce - Sprinkle a little olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper and toss before adding any other toppings. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and shredded carrots. Feel free to toss in any other fresh vegetables you like.
- Add optional toppings - Sprinkle bacon bits, croutons and shredded cheese over the top if desired.
- Dress the salad and serve - Drizzle your favorite dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated.
Homemade Croutons
- Toss the cubed bread with the olive oil and seasonings.
- Bake in a 350 degree oven for 10 - 15 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Customize it: Add protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- Prep ahead: You can chop the veggies and make the dressing a day in advance. Keep them separate and combine just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sides
- Method: One Bowl
- Cuisine: American
Tips for Success
Keep it fresh: Use the freshest ingredients you can find for the best flavor.
Customize it: Add protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a main dish.
Prep ahead: You can chop the veggies and make the salad ahead of time. Keep the dressing separate and combine just before serving.
Liz says
So fresh and delicious!