Pasta House Salad
A crisp, refreshing pasta house salad featuring fresh greens, artichokes, pimentos, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for light lunches or as a side dish for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Break the iceberg and romaine lettuce into desired bite-sized pieces.
- Chill the lettuce with the remaining ingredients.
- Add dressing, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
- Toss well and serve chilled.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the Parmesan cheese with feta or crumbled goat cheese for a tangy twist. You can also add sliced cucumbers or cherry tomatoes for extra color and freshness. If you prefer a heartier salad, incorporate grilled chicken or chickpeas. Make sure to wash and dry the lettuce thoroughly to prevent a soggy salad.
Serving Suggestions
This Pasta House Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Serve it alongside crusty bread or as a refreshing side to richer dishes like pasta or casseroles. For a lighter option, enjoy it with a glass of Flavorful Mandarin Cooler to enhance the flavors of the salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep the lettuce crisp, it's best to add dressing just before serving. If the salad has been dressed, consume it within a day for optimal freshness. Reheat any leftover protein separately if included, but avoid reheating the salad itself.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta House Salad contains roughly 334 calories, with 10g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 861mg per serving (37% 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients in advance, but it's best to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve. Assemble the salad without the dressing and store it in the fridge. When it's time to eat, simply add the dressing and toss to combine.
What dressing works best with this salad?
A simple vinaigrette or a creamy Italian dressing complements the flavors of this Pasta House Salad well. You can also try a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing kick. Experiment with different dressings to find your favorite combination.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. However, be sure to check the dressing you choose, as some may contain anchovies or other non-vegetarian ingredients. This makes it a great option for those following vegetarian recipes.
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).