Classic House Salad – Quick and Easy Recipe
A refreshing and classic house salad that’s quick and easy to prepare, featuring crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded carrots, and red onion, all tossed in a tangy homemade red wine vinaigrette and topped with crunchy gluten-free croutons and optional parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook, mixing, tossing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 head of romaine lettuce – 4-5 cups, chopped
- 1 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/3 cup diced or sliced red onion
- 1 cup gluten-free croutons (e.g., Olivia’s croutons)
- Grated parmesan cheese – optional for topping
Vinaigrette Ingredients
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Vinaigrette: Combine all vinaigrette ingredients—including red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, dried oregano, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper—in a mason jar fitted with a lid. Shake vigorously to emulsify the dressing. Alternatively, whisk these ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, sliced cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, shredded carrots, diced red onion, and gluten-free croutons, ensuring an even mix of all ingredients.
- Dress and Toss: Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is coated evenly with the dressing.
- Optional Topping: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top of the salad if desired to add a savory, cheesy flavor contrast.
Notes
- Use gluten-free croutons to maintain a gluten-free salad.
- Adjust the amount of maple syrup in the vinaigrette for sweetness to taste.
- For a vegan version, omit the parmesan cheese topping.
- Use freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt for best flavor.
- Salad is best served immediately after dressing to keep croutons crunchy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Keywords: classic house salad, easy salad recipe, gluten-free salad, healthy salad, red wine vinaigrette, quick salad, fresh vegetables
