House Salad
A crisp, flavorful house salad featuring fresh lettuces, tangy olives, artichokes, and a simple vinaigrette, perfect for casual gatherings or everyday lunches.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Tear the romaine and iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces and combine in a large bowl.
- Slice the red onion into thin slices.
- Drain the green olives, then add them along with pimentos and quartered artichoke hearts to the bowl.
- Mix red wine vinegar, canola oil, pepper, and a pinch of salt in a jar and shake well.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine.
- Add croutons just before serving for crunch.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating some diced cucumber or shredded carrots. If you prefer a lighter dressing, use olive oil instead of canola. Substitute feta cheese for Parmesan for a tangy twist. Feel free to adjust the vinegar and oil ratios to suit your taste. To enhance the salad, add a handful of fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This house salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It can also be served alongside hearty dishes like lasagna or pizza. For a vegetarian option, serve with a slice of Mock Corn Bread. Garnish with additional cheese or a sprinkle of seeds for added texture.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate. Place the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The croutons can become soggy, so it's best to add them just before serving. If you need to reheat any cooked components, like artichokes, do so gently in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of House Salad contains roughly 618 calories, with 13g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1180mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the lettuce and vegetables, and store them in the fridge. However, it's best to mix the dressing and add croutons just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
What can I use instead of green olives?
If you're not a fan of green olives, you can substitute them with black olives or even capers for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the substitute complements the other ingredients in the salad for a balanced taste.
Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Absolutely! This house salad features a variety of vegetables and can easily be made vegetarian by using cheese and omitting any non-vegetarian ingredients. Browse more vegetarian recipes to find delightful pairings for this refreshing dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).