If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant salad that feels like a true garden delight, you’ve got to try this Classic House Salad Recipe. It combines crisp romaine lettuce with colorful veggies, crunchy croutons, and a perfectly balanced homemade vinaigrette that brings everything to life. Whether you want a quick lunch, a side for dinner, or something to impress at a casual gathering, this recipe fits the bill beautifully. I promise you’ll keep coming back to this recipe because it’s deliciously simple, wonderfully versatile, and a total crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl is filled with six distinct layers of salad ingredients neatly arranged in sections. Starting from the top left and moving clockwise, there are dark green chopped romaine lettuce leaves, thick slices of cucumber with a bright green skin and pale green inside, a mound of shredded orange carrots, halved red grape tomatoes showing their juicy inside, small pieces of chopped purple onion, and crispy brown and golden croutons resting on top of the lettuce. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a small jar of dressing nearby at the top left corner, and a gray-striped cloth partially visible to the bottom right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the right ingredients is the key to nailing this Classic House Salad Recipe. Each element is simple but essential, bringing different layers of flavor, texture, and color that create a harmonious, irresistible salad experience.

1 head of romaine lettuce: Provides a crisp, refreshing base with a lovely mild flavor and sturdy texture that holds up well to dressing.
1 cup sliced cherry tomatoes: Adds juicy sweetness and bright red color to keep the salad lively and fresh.
1/2 cup chopped cucumber: Brings crunch and a cool, refreshing quality for balancing the other flavors.
1/2 cup shredded or matchstick carrots: Adds a vibrant orange hue and gentle sweetness to the mix.
1/3 cup diced or sliced red onion: Infuses a sharp, tangy bite that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
1 cup croutons: Adds satisfying crunch and heartiness; I love using Olivia’s gluten-free croutons to keep it inclusive.
Grated parmesan cheese (optional): A savory finishing touch that’s perfect if you want a little extra richness on top.
1/4 cup red wine vinegar: Provides acidity to brighten the vinaigrette and bring balance.
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil: The base for the dressing, giving smoothness and a fruity aroma.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle tang and helps emulsify the dressing beautifully.
1 tablespoon maple syrup: Balances acidity with a subtle natural sweetness.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings earthy, herby notes that elevate the flavor profile.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds warmth and depth without overpowering the freshness of the salad.
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors in the salad and dressing.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice for rounded complexity.

How to Make Classic House Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette

Begin by combining all the vinaigrette ingredients in a mason jar with a lid: red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the dressing emulsifies into a silky, uniform sauce. If you don’t have a jar, whisk everything together in a bowl until well combined. This homemade dressing is where the magic starts!

Step 2: Chop and Assemble the Veggies

Wash and chop your romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, slice the cherry tomatoes in halves, chop the cucumber, shred or cut the carrots into matchsticks, and dice or slice the red onion finely. Toss all these vibrant veggies together with the croutons in a large salad bowl. The colors and textures coming together here already make it so inviting.

Step 3: Toss and Dress the Salad

Pour your freshly made vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly, making sure every leaf and vegetable gets coated in that bright, flavorful dressing. The croutons soak up just enough and stay delightfully crunchy. Finish by sprinkling grated parmesan on top if you like that cheesy layer to round things out.

How to Serve Classic House Salad Recipe

A clear glass bowl holds a fresh salad with five visible layers: on the bottom left are light and dark brown croutons with a rough texture; above them are dark brown pieces of cooked mushrooms; next to mushrooms are small cubes of purple and white red onion; above onions are bright red halved cherry tomatoes; to the right of the tomatoes is a pile of shredded orange carrots; near the center top are sliced cucumber pieces showing bright green skin and pale green inside; and to the left of cucumbers are chopped green Romaine lettuce leaves. From above, a light brown creamy dressing is poured onto the salad. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the salad is fantastic as is, you can boost the presentation and flavor with a few garnishes. A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil adds freshness, a few shaved parmesan curls add elegance, or a handful of toasted nuts, like walnuts or pine nuts, brings extra crunch. These simple touches make the salad feel festive and showy without any fuss.

Side Dishes

This Classic House Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with almost anything thanks to its versatility. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, seared steak, or pan-fried fish for a balanced meal. It’s also fantastic with a simple pasta dish or soup. The crispness and tang of the salad balance rich or hearty mains perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve the salad in individual glass jars layered with the dressing at the bottom, then veggies and toppings, so guests toss it themselves. Or arrange the salad around a cheese or charcuterie board for a colorful, refreshing contrast. Another fun idea is using large lettuce leaves as edible “boats” filled with the salad for easy handheld bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers of this Classic House Salad Recipe, store the salad and dressing separately to keep everything crisp and fresh. Place the chopped salad in an airtight container in the fridge and keep the dressing in a small jar or bottle. Combine only when ready to serve again.

Freezing

This salad is fresh and crisp, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. Freezing is not recommended as the lettuce and veggies will become watery and limp after thawing.

Reheating

Since this is a cold salad, no reheating is required or recommended. Just give a fresh toss with dressing if stored separately, and enjoy the cool, crisp textures.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lettuce for the Classic House Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! While romaine is classic and sturdy, you can substitute with iceberg for crunch, butter lettuce for softness, or mixed greens for variety. Just keep in mind that softer lettuces wilt more quickly once dressed.

Is there a vegan option for this salad?

Definitely! Simply omit the parmesan cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative to keep it vegan-friendly. The dressing is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products.

How long does the salad stay fresh after dressing?

Once dressed, the salad is best eaten within a few hours to maintain crispness and freshness. Storing the salad and dressing separately is your best bet for extending its shelf life.

Can I make the vinaigrette ahead of time?

Yes! The vinaigrette can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick shake before using to reincorporate all the flavors and oils.

What can I add to this salad to make it more filling?

To make the salad a complete meal, add protein like grilled chicken, boiled eggs, chickpeas, or even some cooked quinoa. Nuts, seeds, or avocado slices also add healthy fats and help keep you full longer.

Final Thoughts

This Classic House Salad Recipe is truly a winner in my book because it’s easy, fresh, and packed with flavor. The vibrant veggies, homemade vinaigrette, and satisfying crunch come together beautifully every time. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and enjoy how effortlessly it livens up any meal or moment. Once you make it, this salad might just become one of your personal favorites too!

Classic House Salad Recipe