Description
This Classic House Salad is a quick and easy recipe featuring fresh romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, red onions, and crunchy gluten-free croutons. Tossed in a tangy and slightly sweet homemade red wine vinaigrette, it makes a perfect light meal or side dish, topped optionally with grated parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
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 or matchstick 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 Dressing
- 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
- Make the vinaigrette: Combine all vinaigrette ingredients—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. Alternatively, whisk the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.
- Prepare the salad base: In a large bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce, sliced cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, shredded carrots, diced red onion, and gluten-free croutons.
- Toss and serve: Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Toss thoroughly to evenly coat the veggies and croutons with the dressing. Optionally, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Notes
- Use gluten-free croutons to keep the salad gluten-free.
- Parmesan cheese is optional and can be omitted for a vegetarian salad or replaced with a vegan alternative.
- The vinaigrette can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a complete meal.
- Adjust the amount of maple syrup to your preferred level of sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: classic house salad, quick salad recipe, easy vinaigrette, gluten-free salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad
