Name: Amazing House Salad: 15 Min Fresh Classic
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups mixed salad greens; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup carrot, shredded; 1/4 cup bell pepper, chopped; 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional); 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

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House salad has always been my go-to when I want something fresh, light, and satisfying without a lot of fuss. I remember my mom making a simple version of this for Sunday dinners, and the crispness of the greens always felt so inviting. It’s more than just a bowl of lettuce; it’s a canvas for fresh, vibrant vegetables that bring a burst of flavor and texture. This isn’t just any salad; it’s a classic green salad recipe that forms the foundation for so many meals. The traditional house salad components are simple but create something truly special. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This House Salad

This isn’t just any salad; it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s incredibly simple to whip up. You’ll adore this easy mixed greens salad because it delivers on so many fronts:

Incredible Freshness: Bursting with crisp vegetables and a zesty dressing, it’s a flavor explosion.
Lightning-Fast Prep: Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy & Light: Packed with vitamins and fiber, it’s a guilt-free way to add nutrition to your meal.
Budget-Friendly: Uses common, affordable ingredients.
Family Approved: Even picky eaters love the simple, clean flavors.
Versatile: This easy mixed greens salad works as a starter or a light meal.
Customizable: Easily adapt it with your favorite veggies or proteins.

Ingredients for Your House Salad

Whipping up this refreshing salad is a breeze with these simple mixed greens salad ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

6 cups mixed salad greens – the fresh, crisp base of our salad.
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – for a juicy, sweet pop. These cherry tomatoes are perfect.
1/2 cup cucumber, sliced – adds a cool, refreshing crunch.
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced – provides a sharp, savory bite; soak in cold water to mellow if desired. Onions are a great addition.
1/2 cup carrot, shredded – brings a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
1/4 cup bell pepper, chopped – adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch.
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional) – for a salty, creamy accent.
1/4 cup olive oil – the base for our homemade vinaigrette, providing healthy fats.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar – adds a tangy kick to the dressing.
1 tablespoon lemon juice – brightens the flavors.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – helps emulsify the dressing and adds a subtle sharpness.
1 clove garlic, minced – for a hint of pungent flavor.
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano – an aromatic herb that complements the vegetables.
Salt and pepper to taste – essential for enhancing all the flavors.

How to Make a House Salad

Let’s dive into how to make a house salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious! This recipe is designed to be straightforward, even if you’re new to making salads from scratch. It’s the perfect way to assemble a truly satisfying basic tossed salad recipe.

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base
Grab a large mixing bowl – one that gives you plenty of room to toss everything without making a mess. Start by adding your 6 cups mixed salad greens. Next, gently place in the 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, followed by the 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced. Scatter in the 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced, and the 1/2 cup carrot, shredded. Finally, add the 1/4 cup bell pepper, chopped. If you’re using feta, sprinkle the 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese over everything now. See how vibrant it already looks?
Step 2: Craft the Simple Vinaigrette
Now, let’s create that amazing homemade garden salad dressing. In a separate, smaller bowl, combine the 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Add the 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, which acts as an emulsifier, helping the oil and vinegar blend smoothly. Mince in the 1 clove garlic and sprinkle in the 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk everything together vigorously until the dressing is well combined and looks slightly creamy. This simple vinaigrette for mixed greens is the flavor powerhouse!

Amazing House Salad: 15 Min Fresh Classic - House Salad - additional detail

Step 3: Dress and Toss Gently
This is where the magic happens. Drizzle about half of the vinaigrette over your prepared salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together using salad tongs or your hands. The goal is to coat every leaf and vegetable lightly without drowning them. You want to hear that crisp crunch with every bite! Taste a piece of lettuce to see if it needs more dressing or seasoning. You can add more vinaigrette if desired, but remember, it’s better to under-dress than over-dress. This method ensures each bite is perfectly seasoned for your basic tossed salad recipe.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Once everything is beautifully coated and looks incredibly fresh, it’s time to serve. Transfer the salad to individual plates or a serving bowl. This classic house salad is best enjoyed right away while the greens are at their crispiest and the vegetables are at their freshest. Enjoy this easy mixed greens salad as a perfect side dish or a light meal!

Pro Tips for the Best House Salad

Want to elevate your salad game? These simple tips will ensure your house salad is always a hit, whether you’re serving it as a side or a main. They’re key to achieving that perfect crisp garden salad recipe feel every time.

Chill Everything: For ultimate crispness, make sure your greens and vegetables are well-chilled before you even start. You can even chill your serving bowl!
Don’t Overdress: Add the dressing just before serving and toss gently. It’s easier to add more than to fix a soggy salad.
Soak Your Onions: If you find raw red onion too sharp, soaking the thin slices in ice-cold water for 5-10 minutes before adding them mellows their bite significantly.
Quality Ingredients Matter: Use the freshest produce you can find. A good olive oil and quality vinegar make a huge difference in the dressing.

Amazing House Salad: 15 Min Fresh Classic - House Salad - additional detail

What’s the secret to a perfect house salad?

The real secret lies in the freshness and temperature of your ingredients. Using crisp, chilled greens and vegetables, paired with a well-balanced, homemade vinaigrette, creates that delightful crunch and bright flavor that defines a perfect house salad. For more on ingredient quality, consider reading about sustainable farming practices.

Can I make a house salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep components ahead! Wash and dry your greens and chop your veggies, storing them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Keep the dressing separate as well. Toss everything together right before serving to prevent wilting.

How do I avoid common mistakes with house salad?

The biggest mistake is using warm or wet greens, which leads to a soggy salad. Also, avoid over-dressing; start with less and add more as needed. Don’t chop your ingredients too small, or it loses that satisfying texture.

Best Ways to Serve Your House Salad

This versatile house salad is the perfect companion to a wide variety of meals. Its freshness and bright flavors cut through richer dishes beautifully, making it an ideal side salad with main course options. Try serving it alongside grilled fish or chicken for a light yet satisfying dinner. It also pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes or hearty soups, adding a needed burst of freshness. You can even serve a larger portion as a light lunch on its own!

Nutrition Facts for House Salad

This refreshing house salad is not only delicious but also a healthy addition to your meal. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving, helping you make informed choices for your healthy house salad ideas.

Calories: 250 cal
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sugar: 8 g
Protein: 5 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially if optional ingredients like feta cheese are included.

How to Store and Reheat Your House Salad

Keeping your delicious house salad fresh for later is super easy! To maintain that perfect crispness, make sure all components are completely cooled before storing. For the best results, store the salad greens and chopped vegetables in one airtight container and the dressing in a separate, sealed container in the refrigerator. This way, your family favorite garden salad will stay vibrant for up to 3-4 days.

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze certain components. The chopped vegetables can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag or container, though they might lose some crispness upon thawing. The greens and dressing are not ideal for freezing. To reheat, simply bring the thawed vegetables to room temperature, toss with fresh greens and the dressing you saved.

Frequently Asked Questions About House Salad

What is a house salad?

A house salad is typically a simple, fresh salad served as a standard offering at restaurants. It’s often a mixed greens salad with a variety of common vegetables, dressed with a vinaigrette. Think of it as the restaurant’s basic, go-to salad that complements most main courses. What goes in a house salad can vary slightly by establishment, but the core idea is fresh, crisp ingredients.

What goes in a house salad?

The traditional house salad components usually include a base of mixed greens or lettuce, along with vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and onions. Bell peppers, croutons, and sometimes cheese like feta or cheddar are also common additions. The dressing is typically a light vinaigrette, making it a versatile and refreshing choice.

Can I make a house salad with different vegetables?

Absolutely! That’s the beauty of a house salad. Feel free to customize it with whatever fresh produce you have on hand. Broccoli florets, radishes, corn, or even some leftover roasted vegetables can be fantastic additions. This flexibility makes it a great way to use up ingredients and create healthy house salad ideas tailored to your taste.

What’s the best dressing for a house salad?

While many house salads come with a classic vinaigrette, the best dressing is really a matter of preference. A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar (like apple cider or red wine), Dijon mustard, and herbs is a fantastic choice. However, a creamy ranch or a tangy blue cheese dressing can also work beautifully, depending on the other ingredients in your salad.

Variations of House Salad You Can Try

This classic house salad is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to create exciting new versions. Whether you’re looking for different flavors or need to cater to specific dietary needs, there are plenty of healthy house salad ideas to explore. Here are a few variations to inspire your next salad creation:

Mediterranean Twist: Add Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes to your mixed greens. Swap feta for goat cheese and use a lemon-herb vinaigrette for a vibrant, zesty flavor profile.
Protein-Packed Powerhouse: Boost your salad by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or chickpeas. This transforms your simple side salad into a hearty main course.
Asian-Inspired Delight: Incorporate shredded cabbage, edamame, mandarin oranges, and toasted almonds. A sesame-ginger dressing or a peanut dressing works beautifully here.
Hearty Grain Salad: Mix in cooked quinoa or farro with your greens and vegetables. This adds substance and texture, making it a filling and nutritious meal option.