House Salad
A crisp and refreshing mix of romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, tossed in a zesty red wine vinaigrette. This classic garden salad is the perfect start to any meal or a light lunch on its own.
For 4 servings
3 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Vinaigrette
- b.In a small bowl or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and dried oregano.
- c.Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- d.Whisk vigorously or seal the jar and shake well for about 30 seconds until the dressing is emulsified and creamy.
- e.Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Salad Vegetables
- b.Wash the romaine lettuce thoroughly and dry it completely using a salad spinner or by patting with paper towels. This is crucial for a crisp salad.
- c.Chop the dried lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
- d.Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and shred the carrot.
- e.Place all the prepared vegetables into a large salad bowl.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Just before you are ready to serve, give the vinaigrette another quick shake or whisk.
- c.Drizzle about half of the dressing over the vegetables in the bowl.
- d.Gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are lightly and evenly coated. Add more dressing as needed to reach your desired level of coating.
- e.Top the salad with croutons, toss one last time, and serve immediately to ensure maximum freshness and crunch.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best results, ensure your lettuce is completely dry. A salad spinner is the most effective tool for this. Wet greens repel dressing and make the salad soggy.
- 2To mellow the sharp bite of the red onion, soak the thin slices in a bowl of ice water for 10-15 minutes, then drain and pat dry before adding to the salad.
- 3The red wine vinaigrette can be prepared up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and shake well before use as it will separate.
- 4To avoid a wilted salad, only dress the amount you plan to eat immediately. Store leftover undressed salad and dressing separately.
- 5Feel free to add a handful of fresh herbs like chopped parsley, dill, or chives to the salad for an extra layer of flavor.
- 6For a more substantial salad, add a protein source like grilled chicken strips, chickpeas, or a hard-boiled egg.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Cheese
Incorporate crumbled feta, goat cheese, or shredded Parmesan for a salty, tangy flavor and creamy texture.
Add Nuts and SeedsAdd Nuts and Seeds
For extra crunch and healthy fats, add a sprinkle of toasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, slivered almonds, or walnuts.
Include More VeggiesInclude More Veggies
Bulk up the salad with other fresh vegetables like sliced bell peppers, radishes, or diced avocado.
Creamy VinaigretteCreamy Vinaigrette
For a creamier dressing, whisk in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise into the red wine vinaigrette.
Change the GreensChange the Greens
Substitute romaine with other greens like iceberg lettuce for more crunch, or a spring mix for a more delicate, varied flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants
The variety of fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and carrots provides essential vitamins such as Vitamin A, C, and K, along with powerful antioxidants that help protect your body from damage.
Supports Heart Health
The dressing is made with extra virgin olive oil, a key component of the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in monounsaturated fats. These fats are known to help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Promotes Healthy Digestion
This salad is an excellent source of dietary fiber from the raw vegetables. Fiber is crucial for maintaining a healthy digestive system, promoting regular bowel movements, and feeding beneficial gut bacteria.
Aids in Hydration
Vegetables like lettuce and cucumber have a very high water content. Eating this salad can contribute to your daily fluid intake, helping you stay hydrated.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this House Salad, including the vinaigrette and croutons, contains approximately 280-300 calories. The majority of the calories come from the healthy fats in the olive oil.