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Elevate your meal with this vibrant and flavorful House Salad recipe that’s a staple on dinner tables everywhere. Bursting with crisp greens, colorful vegetables, and a tangy dressing, this salad is a favorite for good reason. House Salads are served in many restaurants like steakhouses like Outback Steakhouse, Texas Roadhouse, Chili’s, Olive Garden, Carrabas and much more.
A good salad starts with a strong foundation – spring mix greens or iceberg lettuce. As the salad builds, more layers of textures, colors, and flavors come together to make a traditional house salad that is anything but boring. It is oh-so adaptable. Bell peppers, cucumbers, cheese, meat, beans, – the possibilities for a great house salad are endless!
Why You’ll Love This Salad Recipe
- It’s fresh and crisp. The combination of fresh greens, crisp vegetables, and a well-balanced dressing offers a burst of flavor and texture in every bite.
- It’s quick and easy. With simple ingredients and minimal prep work, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- It’s Versatile: You can customize this salad with your favorite toppings and dressings to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
- Pairs Perfectly with Any Meal: Whether served as a starter or a side dish, this House Salad complements a wide range of main courses and cuisines.
House Salad Ingredients
For The Salad:
- Spring Mix Greens: These are a mix of various young salad greens, including lettuces like baby spinach, arugula, and other tender leaves. You can substitute any of your favorite salad stars, like iceberg, romaine, or spinach.
- Colored Grape Tomatoes: These are small, sweet, and colorful tomatoes. Substitutes include regular red cherry or grape tomatoes.
- Cucumber: Cucumber is a crisp and refreshing vegetable. Zucchini, bell peppers, or even radishes make an excellent sub.
- Red Onion: Red onion provides a strong onion flavor. White or yellow onions can be used as substitutes for milder flavors.
- Carrot: Carrots add sweetness and color. Julienned bell peppers or radishes can be used as alternatives.
- Avocado: Avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats. Diced mozzarella cheese or feta cheese can provide a similar texture.
- Pepperoncini: These are mild chili peppers. Banana peppers or mild pepper rings can be used as substitutes.
- Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Seasoned breadcrumbs add a crunchy element. Crushed croutons or toasted nuts (e.g., almonds or pecans) can be used instead.
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese: This cheese gives a tangy flavor to the end of your salad. Grated Pecorino Romano or Asiago can be used as substitutes.
House Salad Dressing:
- Olive Oil: Salad dressing needs a neutral oil base. Extra virgin olive oil can be substituted with avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Pairing this with the olive oil creates a vinaigrette. Balsamic vinegar, white wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar can be used as substitutes.
- Honey: Honey adds a sweet balance to the bite of vinegar. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used for sweetness.
- Dijon Mustard: Mustard provides a depth of flavor to the dressing. Whole-grain mustard or regular yellow mustard can be used as a substitute.
- Dried Oregano: Oregano is slightly peppery and earthy. You can use dried basil or dried thyme as substitutes for a different herb flavor.
- Garlic: This adds a savory and slightly sweet garlic taste. Minced garlic can be used as a substitute for garlic powder.
- Salt: Salt enhances the natural flavor of dishes. You can use sea salt, kosher salt, or even a no-salt/low-sodium alternative. Adjust to taste but don’t leave out.
- Black Pepper: This adds a spicy depth and also enhances other flavors. You can substitute white pepper or fresh ground peppercorns to play with the flavor.
How To Make a House Salad
Step 1: Prepare the equipment. Gather mixing bowls, whisks, and spices needed.
Step 2: Mix the house salad dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients: olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously with a fork until well combined. Set the dressing aside.
Step 3: Prep the veggies. Prepare the salad ingredients in a bowl or on a serving platter. Combine the greens, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, carrot, avocado, pepperoncini, and bread crumbs.
Step 4: Dress the salad. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Mix well to coat the salad with the dressing.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy! Sprinkle-grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and serve.
Tips To Make This Classic House Salad
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for the freshest produce available to ensure the best flavor and texture in your salad.
- Prep Ahead of Time: Wash and chop your vegetables in advance to save time when assembling the salad.
- Toss Just Before Serving: To prevent the salad from becoming soggy, wait to dress it until right before serving.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to add or omit ingredients based on your personal preferences.
- Experiment with Dressings: Don’t be afraid to try different dressings to change up the flavor profile of your House Salad.
- Add Proteins: To make it a complete meal, consider adding proteins. Grilled chicken, shrimp, steak, tofu, or chickpeas are all excellent options for adding protein and making it more filling.
What to Serve With a House Salad
When serving a house salad, it’s great to accompany it with some delicious and complementary side dishes. Here are some tasty options to consider:
- Buffal Chicken Thighs
- Herbed Crusted Cod
- Braised Chicken Legs
- Oven Chicken Skewers
- Boneless Lamb Leg
- Mediterranean Lamb Chops
Frequently Asked Questions
You can prepare the individual components of a house salad in advance, but it’s best to assemble and dress the salad just before serving to keep it fresh.
You can store the salad ingredients and salad dressing in separate airtight containers, and then assemble them before eating. Any leftovers can be stored in their original containers or tossed together into one. Store the dressing separately to prevent the leftovers from becoming soggy.
A simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper is a classic choice, but feel free to use your favorite dressing or experiment with different flavors.
More Salad Recipes
- Chicken Santa Fe Salad
- Spicy Kani Sushi Salad
- Thai Chicken Mango Salad
- Autumn Chopped Chicken Salad
- Healthy Buffalo Chicken Salad
This Easy House Salad recipe is a timeless classic that’s perfect for any occasion. With its fresh and vibrant flavors, customizable toppings, and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Whether served as a starter, side dish, or light meal, this salad is guaranteed to please even the pickiest of eaters.
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House Salad
Ingredients
For salad
- 4 cups spring mix greens
- 1 ½ cup colored grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup carrot, shredded
- ½ medium avocado, sliced
- ⅓ cup pepperoncini, sliced
- ¼ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
For dressing
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients: olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously with a fork until well combined. Set the dressing aside.
- Prepare the salad ingredients in a bowl or on a serving platter. Combine the greens, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, carrot, avocado, pepperoncini, and bread crumbs.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Mix well to coat the salad with the dressing.
- Sprinkle-grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and serve.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for the freshest produce available to ensure the best flavor and texture in your salad.
- Toss Just Before Serving: To prevent the salad from becoming soggy, wait to dress it until right before serving.
- Experiment with Dressings: Don’t be afraid to try different dressings to change up the flavor profile of your House Salad.
- Add Proteins: To make it a complete meal, consider adding proteins. Grilled chicken, shrimp, steak, tofu, or chickpeas are all excellent options for adding protein and making it more filling.
