Amazing House Salad Recipe

Name: Amazing House Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups mixed greens; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cucumber, sliced; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup shredded carrots; For the dressing:; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon sugar; Salt and pepper to taste

by Jannet Lisa

6 de October de 2025

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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 big bowl of this every Sunday, the vibrant colors of the vegetables practically singing from the bowl. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a little plate of happiness that complements any meal. This classic house salad recipe is so simple, yet tastes incredible with its homemade vinaigrette. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this easy homemade house salad anytime you need a quick, healthy option. Let’s get cooking!

What is a House Salad?

So, you might be wondering, what is a house salad? Essentially, it’s the restaurant’s signature simple salad, designed to be a refreshing starter or a light side dish. Think of it as the reliable friend of any menu. Often, it’s a straightforward mix that highlights fresh ingredients. This basic garden salad is what many restaurants serve without you even realizing it. It’s a traditional house salad because it’s universally loved for its simplicity and clean flavors. It’s the perfect way to start a meal or complement a heartier main course without being too heavy. It’s all about fresh greens and a light dressing.

Ingredients for a Classic House Salad

Putting together this simple house salad is a breeze with these fresh components. We’re building a fantastic mixed greens house salad that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

4 cups mixed greens – I love using a spring mix for a variety of textures and flavors; it’s the base of our fresh house salad.
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – These little bursts of sweetness add a pop of color and juiciness.
1/2 cucumber, sliced – For that essential crisp, refreshing crunch.
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced – Adds a bit of a zesty bite without overpowering the other flavors.
1/4 cup shredded carrots – For a touch of sweetness and a lovely color contrast.
For the dressing:
3 tablespoons olive oil – Extra virgin for the best flavor.
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar – This gives our dressing a nice tang.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – It helps emulsify the dressing and adds a subtle kick.
1/2 teaspoon sugar – Just a pinch to balance the acidity.
Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for bringing all the flavors together.

How to Make a House Salad

Learning how to make a house salad is one of those kitchen skills that pays off big time. It’s incredibly satisfying to create this fresh dish from scratch. This quick house salad recipe comes together in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or when unexpected guests arrive.

Step 1: Start by prepping your salad ingredients. Make sure your mixed greens are washed and thoroughly dried – this is key to avoiding a soggy salad! Gently place the 4 cups mixed greens into a large salad bowl. Add the 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, the 1/2 cucumber, sliced, and the 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced. Finally, scatter the 1/4 cup shredded carrots over the top.
Step 2: Now, let’s whip up that delicious house salad dressing recipe. In a separate small bowl, combine the 3 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar. Add the 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – this little ingredient is magic for emulsifying the dressing, making it smooth and creamy. Stir in the 1/2 teaspoon sugar to balance the tanginess. Season generously with salt and pepper to your liking. Whisk everything together vigorously until the oil and vinegar are fully combined and the dressing looks slightly thickened and emulsified. For more on emulsification, check out this guide to emulsifying a vinaigrette.
Step 3: It’s time to bring it all together! Drizzle about half of the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.
Step 4: Gently toss the salad using salad tongs or your hands. You want to coat all those lovely fresh vegetables lightly with the dressing without bruising the delicate greens. Add more dressing as needed until everything is lightly coated to your preference.
Step 5: Serve your beautiful, fresh house salad immediately. It’s the perfect accompaniment to almost any meal, offering a burst of freshness and flavor. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying dish! For other quick meal ideas, explore these last recipes.

Amazing House Salad Recipe - Close-up of homemade vinaigrette being drizzled on salad

Pro Tips for the Best House Salad

Want to elevate your simple salad game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make a big difference for a truly outstanding house salad. These tips ensure your salad is always crisp, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.

Always dry your greens thoroughly after washing. A salad spinner is your best friend here; excess water dilutes the dressing and makes greens soggy.
Taste and adjust your dressing before serving. The balance of acid, fat, and seasoning is crucial for a great vinaigrette.
Don’t dress the salad until just before serving. This keeps your ingredients crisp and vibrant, especially if you’re preparing a larger batch.
Consider the quality of your ingredients. Fresh, high-quality produce makes a noticeable difference in the overall flavor of your salad.

What’s the secret to the perfect house salad dressing?

The secret to the best house salad dressing, a classic vinaigrette, is proper emulsification! Whisk your acid (like vinegar or lemon juice) with Dijon mustard and a pinch of sugar first, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly. This creates a creamy, stable dressing.

Can I make a house salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep components ahead! Wash and dry your greens, chop your veggies, and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate and combine just before serving to maintain freshness.

How do I avoid common mistakes with a house salad?

The biggest mistake is soggy greens! Always dry them well. Another pitfall is over-dressing; start with less and add more as needed. Also, avoid overcrowding the bowl, which makes tossing difficult and can bruise delicate leaves.

Best Ways to Serve Your House Salad

This versatile house salad is a true chameleon in the kitchen, fitting in perfectly with so many meals. It’s the ultimate side house salad that can balance out richer dishes. Imagine serving it alongside a hearty lasagna or a perfectly grilled steak – the refreshing crunch cuts through the richness beautifully. I also love pairing this salad with vinaigrette as a light starter before a more elaborate main course, like baked salmon or chicken piccata. It’s also fantastic with pasta dishes, offering a crisp contrast to soft noodles and rich sauces. Its simplicity means it never competes with the main event, but rather enhances it.

Nutrition Facts for House Salad

This recipe makes a wonderfully light and healthy addition to any meal. Each serving of this fresh house salad offers a good balance of nutrients without being too heavy.

Calories: 150
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 100mg
Cholesterol: 0mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat House Salad Components

Keeping your house salad components fresh means you can enjoy healthy meals throughout the week. For the best results, cool all prepared salad ingredients completely before storing. Place your washed and thoroughly dried greens, chopped vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots in separate airtight containers. This separation is key to maintaining their crispness. You can store these components in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days, making it easy to assemble a quick salad whenever you like. The house salad dressing should also be stored separately in an airtight container. If it solidifies slightly in the fridge (especially the olive oil), simply let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes or gently warm it in a small saucepan over low heat until it liquefies. This ensures you always have a fresh, delicious dressing ready for your healthy house salad ideas. For more apple salad recipes, check out this collection.

Variations of House Salad You Can Try

This basic house salad is a fantastic canvas, and I love experimenting with different additions to keep things exciting! Whether you’re looking for more substantial options or specific dietary needs, there are so many ways to adapt this simple dish. For a hearty and satisfying meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a complete entree.

Heartier Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken breast, pan-seared shrimp, or even some baked tofu. This transforms your simple side into a filling main course.
Mediterranean Twist: Toss in some Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of oregano. This variation offers a delicious salty and briny flavor profile.
Crunchy & Savory: Incorporate toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts, seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds, and maybe some crunchy croutons for added texture.
Seasonal Vegetable Medley: This vegetable house salad recipe is perfect for using up whatever is in season. Think asparagus and peas in spring, corn and bell peppers in summer, or roasted squash and Brussels sprouts in fall.
Spicy Kick: Add some thinly sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.

As a vegetarian house salad, it’s already perfect, but you can always add beans like cannellini or kidney beans for extra protein and fiber. For a complete meal, try this Mediterranean chicken recipe.