House Salad
A crisp, refreshing mix of greens, crunchy vegetables, and tangy vinaigrette. This classic American side salad comes together in under 15 minutes with whatever fresh produce you have on hand. It's the perfect light starter for any meal.
For 4 servings
- prep
Wash and prep all the vegetables.
1.Wash romaine lettuce, dry thoroughly, and tear into bite-sized pieces.2.Halve cherry tomatoes.3.Slice cucumber into half-moons.4.Peel and grate carrot.5.Thinly slice red onion. - mix · ~1 min
Make the vinaigrette.
1.Add olive oil, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to a small bowl.2.Whisk vigorously until the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened (1 min). - mix
Toss the salad.
1.Place lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, carrot, and red onion in a large salad bowl.2.Drizzle vinaigrette over the vegetables.3.Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. - serve
Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Dry lettuce thoroughly with a salad spinner or clean towel; excess water dilutes the dressing.
- 2Toss the salad just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and the greens perky.
- 3Slice red onion paper-thin and soak in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow its bite.
- 4For best flavor, let the vinaigrette rest 5 minutes after whisking so the garlic infuses.
- 5Add dressing gradually—start with half, toss, then add more only if needed to avoid soggy greens.
- 6Make-ahead: Prep chopped veggies and dressing separately up to 1 day in advance; combine at serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Extra-protein
Add 1 cup of cooked chickpeas or diced grilled chicken to make this side salad a light main dish.
low oilLow-oil
Replace 1 tablespoon of olive oil with water or extra vinegar for a lighter, lower-calorie vinaigrette.
crunchy toppingCrunchy-topping
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of toasted sunflower seeds or crumbled feta cheese over the salad for added texture and savory depth.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin A
Carrots and romaine lettuce are excellent sources of beta-carotene, which supports vision and immune function.
Hydrating Vegetables
Cucumber and cherry tomatoes have high water content, helping with hydration and providing a refreshing crunch.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Olive oil provides monounsaturated fats that can support cardiovascular health when used in moderation.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar work well, but each will slightly change the tangy character of the dressing.
