House Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing is a refreshing blend of vegetables that can be enjoyed as a side or as a meal. This salad is made of crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and more, topped with croutons and a creamy vinaigrette.
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Why this Easy House Salad Recipe is a Keeper
Meal prep has never been easier than this simple salad recipe. This green salad is quick and easy to make, and is the perfect side salad or main course, . Here are a few reasons why you’ll want to make a house salad at home:
- 10 Minute Meal: Toss this healthy side salad together in just 10 minutes.
- Easy Ingredients: All of the ingredients for this easy to make side salad can likely be found in your kitchen or local grocery store.
- Adaptable: Add anything you’d like to this easy salad recipe.
If you’re looking for more salad recipes, try these: Greek Peasant Salad, Panzanella Salad, and Italian Chopped Salad.
What is the Key to a Good Easy Salad Recipe?
If you have a salad spinner, you can use it to wash the lettuce. This will help you make a crisp, fresh salad.
Ingredient Notes for Classic House Salad with Balsamic Salad Dressing
This classic house salad recipe can be served as a side salad, and uses fresh ingredients. It’s a salad that goes great with everything, from chicken dishes to soups and more. Here are some ingredients you’ll want to have in order to make this garden salad:
Salad Ingredients
- Cucumbers: Wash, peel, and cut the cucumbers before using in this classic house salad recipe.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Slice 1 1/2 cups of cherry tomatoes. You can also use larger tomatoes as well.
- Lettuce: Use romaine lettuce, or any kind you’d like. Wash, cut, and add to the large serving bowl.
Dressing for this Favorite Salad
- Balsamic Vinegar: Balsamic vinegar will make the base of the dressing, which is tangy and easy to make.
- Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise will thicken the dressing and make it smooth and creamy.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
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Variations and Substitutions to Make a House Salad and Dressing
- Nuts: Top the salad with nuts, such as slivered almonds, crushed peanuts, pecans, pine nuts, for this simple house salad.
- Dressing: You can substitute apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for balsamic vinegar in this go-to salad dressing recipe. If you don’t want to make your own dressing, use your favorite salad dressing. Ranch dressing also works fine for this favorite house salad.
Special Equipment Needed for the Best House Salad at Home
- Salad Spinner: Use a salad spinner to quickly wash the vegetables and keep them fresh for this basic salad recipe.
Pro Tip
Wait to dress your salad until right before serving to prevent the greens from getting soggy.
How to Make American House Salad with Balsamic Dressing
This classic house salad made with fresh and simple ingredients is super easy to make. House salad is a great side dish or main salad, and goes great with your favorite dressing. Read on to learn how to make this delicious salad.
These are the basic steps for making house salad with creamy balsamic vinaigrette. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.
1. Make the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine salad ingredients. Add the lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, shredded carrots and sliced red onion to the salad and toss to combine.
2. Add Croutons and Serve
Top with croutons and serve with balsamic dressing (see next step), or pour the dressing on top.
3. Make the Dressing and Toss
Add all of the ingredients to a food processor- mayo, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and seasonings- and pulse until fully combined. If you don’t have a food processor, whisk together the ingredients in a medium bowl. If dressing is too thick, add 1/2 teaspoon of water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
You can make this salad ahead of time, and store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve the salad. Give it a good shake before serving.
House Salad with Balsamic Dressing FAQs
The salad, when undressed, will last for 3-5 days in the fridge.
The dressing will only last about a day in the fridge, as it contains mayonnaise.
Add some grilled chicken, bacon, avocado, or nuts to the salad.
Expert Tips for Making House Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Overall, a house salad is a versatile and refreshing option. It’s a great way to add some greens and veggies to your meal, and the customizable elements allow you to tailor it to your preferences.
- Croutons: Place heavier ingredients like cheese and croutons on top of the greens to prevent them from getting weighed down by dressing.
- Shallots: Toasted nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts), sunflower seeds, or croutons add a satisfying crunch. For a lighter option, use crispy fried shallots or green onions.
- Cheese: Top the salad with shredded cheddar cheese or parmesan.
What to Serve with House Salad with Balsamic Vinegar
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House Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing
Equipment
- Food Processor or Medium Bowl
- Spoon if no food processor
- Salad Spinner optional
Ingredients
Salad
- 6 cups Green Leaf Lettuce, washed, dried, and cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 ½ cups Cucumber, sliced
- 1 ½ cups Cherry Tomatoes, sliced
- ½ cup Shredded Carrots
- ½ cup Red Onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup Croutons
Dressing
- ¼ cup Balsamic Vinegar
- ¼ cup Olive Oil
- ¼ cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 2 teaspoons Honey
- 2 cloves Garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon All Purpose Seasoning blend
- ½ teaspoon Italian Seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon Water, if needed
Instructions
Salad
- In a large serving bowl, add the lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, shredded carrots and sliced onion. Toss salad to combine.
- Top with croutons. Serve with Creamy Balsamic Dressing on the side.
Dressing
- Add all of the ingredients to a food processor and pulse until fully combined.
- If dressing is too thick, add 1/2 teaspoon of water at a time until desired consistency.
- Store dressing in a container with a tight fitting lid in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Expert Tips
- Croutons: Place heavier ingredients like cheese and croutons on top of the greens to prevent them from getting weighed down by dressing.
- Shallots: Toasted nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts) or croutons add a satisfying crunch. For a lighter option, use crispy fried shallots.