A classic house salad seems simple enough, but when done well- it’s one of the most delicious salads! There’s a difference for example, in a basic house salad you get at a high-end restaurant, and a basic house salad you get from a fast food restaurant or deli case. Because there aren’t very many ingredients, it’s one of those simple recipes that really benefits from quality ingredients and a fantastic dressing. Below you’ll find my best tips for making a killer House Salad, which is the perfect thing to take to a potluck or dinner party, when you want to be sure it’s universally liked.
Ingredients Needed
- Romaine – while romaine and/or iceberg is traditional, feel free to sub out our mix in a spring mix or baby spinach. I prefer house salad greens that are cold and crunchy!
- Cucumber – I recommend English cucumber. You’ll find them in the produce section usually individually wrapped. English cucumbers have a smaller diameter, a soft skin (so you don’t have to peel it) and they don’t require removing seeds.
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion
- Cheese – this is an optional ingredient, but some cubed or shredded cheddar is a fun add-in. (Find more optional add-ins below!)
- Croutons – Homemade croutons are amazing if you have the time to make some! It’s one of the easiest ways to level up a salad.
- Dressing of choice – if possible, take the time to whip up a fantastic homemade dressing. I’m partial to Buttermilk Ranch, but I have lots of great options!
How to Make a Classic House Salad
- Wash and dry greens (I love a salad spinner!). Make sure greens are thoroughly dry before assembling salad, or it can water down the salad dressing.
- Pile on toppings- greens and cold veggies can be put on ahead and chilled.
- Top with crunchy stuff (like croutons) right before serving so they don’t get soggy.
- Drizzle Salad with dressing, or toss entire bowl with dressing right before serving.
Tips for prepping Ingredients
- Tomatoes- this probably seems like a weird personal preference, but as someone who likes to eat tomatoes in things, but not feel the pulp pop in my mouth or spread all over my salad, I cut my tomatoes in half and gently press out the pulp first.
- Onions – placing your sliced onions in a bowl of ice water while you prep your salad can take a bit of the punch out. Drain and pat dry with paper towels before adding to salad.
- I love English cucumbers, and they don’t need to be peeled, but one way to get an upscale look is to peel “stripes” lengthwise along your entire cucumber and then slice.
Topping Variations
Though a classic house salad tends to be pretty straight forward, here are a few “extras” that can make it extra fun if you’d like to fancy it up a little!
- Greens – Though romaine and/or iceberg is traditional, feel free to sub out our mix in a spring mix or baby spinach.
- Crunchies – You can never go wrong with a classic crouton, but other options are fried onions, crushed pita chips, or fried wontons.
- Tangy– For a tangy bite, try adding pepperoncinis or olives,
Superstar Salad Dressings
Here are some fantastic dressing choices to go with your favorite House Salad.
Classic House Salad
The perfect salad to take to a gathering because it's an all-around people pleaser!
Servings servings
Ingredients
- 2 heads romaine lettuce washed, dried, and chopped
- 1 English cucumber sliced or diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes sliced in half
- 1-2 cups croutons more if desired!
- Salad Dressing of choice
Instructions
- Wash and dry greens. Make sure greens are thoroughly dry before assembling salad, or it can water down the salad dressing.
- Slice or dice cucumber. English cucumbers do not need to be peeled or seeded. Cut cherry tomatoes in half, or even quarters, if desired. Slice red onion thinly. Arrange all vegetables on salad greens.
- Top with croutons right before serving so they don't get soggy. Drizzle Salad with dressing, or toss entire bowl with dressing right before serving.
Notes
*nutrition calculated without dressing
Topping Variations
Though a classic house salad tends to be pretty straight forward, here are a few “extras” that can make it extra fun if you’d like to fancy it up a little!- Greens – Though romaine and/or iceberg is traditional, feel free to sub out our mix in a spring mix or baby spinach.
- Crunchies – You can never go wrong with a classic crouton, but other options are fried onions, crushed pita chips, or fried wontons.
- Tangy– For a tangy bite, try adding pepperoncinis or olives
Nutrition
Calories: 61kcal, Carbohydrates: 12g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0.1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Sodium: 46mg, Potassium: 585mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 13960IU, Vitamin C: 21mg, Calcium: 69mg, Iron: 2mg
Calories: 61kcal
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