Description
This classic house salad is fresh, crisp, and easy to customize. Featuring a mix of leafy greens, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette, it’s the perfect side dish or light meal. Whether you prefer it with added protein or as a simple starter, this salad is packed with nutrients and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 cups spinach or arugula
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup grilled chicken (for added protein)
- ¼ cup feta or shredded parmesan (for a tangy kick)
- ¼ cup croutons (for crunch)
- ¼ cup avocado, sliced (for creaminess)
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and dry all vegetables. Chop the romaine lettuce, slice cucumbers, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the romaine, spinach, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and red onion. Add any optional ingredients like grilled chicken, feta, or avocado.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
Notes
- Make it Vegan: Omit the cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
- Make it Low-Carb: Skip the croutons and opt for a sugar-free dressing.
- Storage Tip: Keep the dressing separate if making ahead to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: house salad recipe, fresh salad, easy salad, healthy side dish, homemade vinaigrette