Enjoy my classic house salad recipe, featuring a harmonious blend of fresh vegetables, cheese, and croutons. Elevate your dining experience with this easy-to-make, nutrient-packed, and irresistibly delicious dish!

A house salad is a timeless dish that adds a burst of freshness and color to any meal. I believe everybody should know how to make a basic salad. My house salad is based off the restaurant classic salad.
Typically this salad is enjoyed before dinner as an appetizer. However, sometimes I make this salad as my lunch or even dinner with an added protein on top like baked shrimp or grilled chicken. Combining the crispness of romaine lettuce, the juiciness of grape tomatoes, the crunch of cucumbers, the savory goodness of shredded cheddar cheese, and the delightful texture of croutons, this salad is an irresistible treat.
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Why this Recipe Works
Vibrant and Fresh: The chopped romaine house salad bursts with vibrant colors and flavors, making it an inviting and refreshing addition to any meal.
Easy and Quick: With minimal prep work, this salad can be ready in no time, saving you valuable minutes in the kitchen.
Cost Effective: Making a salad at home can save you almost half of what you would pay at a restaurant and give you more salad for the money!
Versatile Pairings: Whether you serve it as a side dish or a light main course, this salad pairs beautifully with various proteins and complements a range of cuisines.
Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and protein from the ingredients, this salad not only tantalizes your taste buds but also nourishes your body.
Ingredients

- Lettuce – I like to use romaine lettuce that I’ve chopped into bite-size pieces.
- Tomatoes – I like the flavor in grape tomatoes with the burst of tomato in each bite. Any style tomato works.
- Cucumber – Cucumbers give a light bright crunch to the salad.
- Carrots – Shredded carrots are the way to go here. They give a sweet crunch and compliment the flavors of the salad.
- Red Onion – I love a little red onion in a salad. I like to thinly slice them so they aren’t overwhelming. A little goes a long way.
- Cheese – I like to use shredded mild cheddar cheese for the salad, but any variety of cheddar will work best. Don’t have cheddar? Use a different type of cheese or omit completely.
- Croutons – Whether you make your own croutons or you buy store bought it’s a
How to Make a House Salad

In a large bowl, place the chopped romaine in the bowl. Then add on the sliced grape tomatoes, diced cucumbers, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red onion.
Toss well then sprinkle on the shredded cheddar cheese and croutons on top. Divided among 4 plates and enjoy.
Salad Variations
- Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad: Add grilled chicken breast and Caesar dressing to your chopped romaine house salad for a heartier and more substantial meal.
- Mediterranean Medley: Elevate the flavors with Kalamata olives, red onions, artichoke hearts, and a lemon-herb vinaigrette.
- Tex-Mex Fiesta: Infuse a zesty twist with black beans, avocado, corn, and a creamy cilantro dressing.
FAQs

To transform the chopped romaine house salad into a filling main course, consider adding proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu.
Yes, homemade croutons are simple to make. Cut stale bread into cubes, toss with olive oil, seasonings (garlic powder, dried herbs), and bake in the oven until golden and crispy.
While it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to maintain its freshness, you can prepare the individual ingredients and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to a day.
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like feta, blue cheese, or goat cheese for a distinct flavor profile.
Salad Tips and Tricks

- Chopped – Ensure the romaine lettuce is well-chopped to create bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
- Dressing – Add the dressing just before serving to avoid soggy croutons and lettuce or simply serve on the side.
- Herbs – For added depth, consider mixing in fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
Homemade Dressing Recipes
Here are a few of my favorite homemade dressing recipes that pair perfectly with a house salad.
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House Salad
Equipment
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Bowl
Ingredients
- 4 cups Chopped Romaine Lettuce
- 1 cup Grape tomatoes
- 1 cup Cucumbers diced
- ½ cup Shredded Carrots
- ¼ cup Red Onion thinly sliced
- ¼ cup Shredded Cheese
- ½ cup Croutons
Instructions
- In a large bowl, place the chopped romaine in the bowl. Then add on the sliced grape tomatoes, diced cucumbers, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red onion.
- Toss well then sprinkle on the shredded cheddar cheese and croutons on top. Divided among 4 plates and enjoy.
Notes
- Chopped – Ensure the romaine lettuce is well-chopped to create bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
- Dressing – Add the dressing just before serving to avoid soggy croutons and lettuce or simply serve on the side.
- Herbs – For added depth, consider mixing in fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!