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Make this fresh House Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette in just minutes! Crisp vegetables and a bright, homemade lemon dressing create the perfect easy side salad for any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Just like your favorite restaurant, every good cook needs a house salad, a signature salad that they are known for, a go to salad. House Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is just that kind of salad! It’s the kind of simple, fresh salad that goes with just about any meal, making it perfect for everything from a casual weeknight dinner to a backyard barbecue or holiday gathering.
What really makes this salad special is the homemade lemon vinaigrette. It’s bright, fresh, and full of citrus flavor without being heavy, allowing the crisp vegetables to shine. I find myself making a batch of the dressing at the beginning of the week so I can enjoy this salad with lunch or dinner whenever the craving strikes.
Another reason I love this recipe is how versatile it is. Use whatever fresh vegetables you have on hand, add your favorite toppings, or keep it simple. It always tastes fresh and satisfying. It’s one of those dependable recipes you’ll make so often that it becomes your house salad—the one your family asks for again and again.
Ingredients Needed
- Romaine Lettuce
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Parmesan Cheese
- Swiss Cheese
- Bacon
- Croutons. Make your own croutons using this recipe.
- Olive Oil
- Lemon, for juicing
- Garlic
- Honey
- Salt and Pepper
How to Make House Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
- Combine olive oil, fresh squeezed lemon juice, honey, garlic, salt and pepper.
- Mix to combine.
- Chill until ready to use.
- Place all your salad ingredients in a bowl, top with lemon dressing and toss to coat.
Tips from leigh Anne
- The homemade lemon vinaigrette is the star of this salad. Whisk it together a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using, as the oil and lemon juice will naturally separate.
- Use the freshest ingredients you can find. Crisp romaine, ripe tomatoes, crunchy croutons, freshly grated cheese, give this salad the best flavor and texture. Freshly grated Swiss cheese is another simple upgrade that makes a big difference.
- Wait to toss the salad with the dressing until just before serving. This keeps the lettuce crisp and prevents the vegetables from becoming soggy.
- Turn this side salad into a main course by topping it with grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or steak.
- Change up the type of cheese you use. Use cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese, blue cheese, gorgonzola cheese or feta.
- You can also use your favorite kind of leafy greens instead of Romaine. Spinach, iceberg, butter lettuce and a spring mix all work great.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will House Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette last?
Once dressed, the salad is best enjoyed immediately. If you anticipate leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately. The undressed salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the brightest, freshest flavor. Bottled juice will work in a pinch, but the dressing won’t have quite the same vibrant, fresh taste.
What should I serve with house salad?
This salad pairs beautifully with anything and everything!. Grilled chicken, steak, fish, pasta dishes, sandwiches, burgers, or soup. It’s an easy side that complements almost any meal.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! This recipe is a great base for using whatever vegetables are in season or already in your refrigerator. Bell peppers, radishes, avocado, red onion, cucumbers, shredded carrtos, sliced beets, snap peas, and even fresh berries are delicious additions.
Check out more delicious salad recipes:
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House Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 head Romaine lettuce
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 cup Swiss cheese grated
- 1/2 lb. bacon cooked and chopped
- 1 1/2 cups croutons
- 1/2 C toasted almonds optional
Lemon Dressing:
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Combine all salad ingredients in a bowl.
- Combine all dressing ingredients, mix desired amount well over salad ingredients and chill.
Tips & Notes:
- The homemade lemon vinaigrette is the star of this salad. Whisk it together a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using, as the oil and lemon juice will naturally separate.
- Use the freshest ingredients you can find. Crisp romaine, ripe tomatoes, crunchy croutons, freshly grated cheese, give this salad the best flavor and texture. Freshly grated Swiss cheese is another simple upgrade that makes a big difference.
- Wait to toss the salad with the dressing until just before serving. This keeps the lettuce crisp and prevents the vegetables from becoming soggy.
- Turn this side salad into a main course by topping it with grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or steak.
- Change up the type of cheese you use. Use cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese, blue cheese, gorgonzola cheese or feta.
- You can also use your favorite kind of leafy greens instead of Romaine. Spinach, iceberg, butter lettuce and a spring mix all work great.
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Nutrition Facts:
Beth says
The lemon vinaigrette is delicious!!