Bright, crisp, and effortlessly delicious, this *Classic Lettuce Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette* is a timeless side dish that brings freshness to any meal. Featuring crunchy romaine lettuce, sweet cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and delicate red onion, this salad is a vibrant medley of flavors and textures. The star of the dish is the zesty, homemade vinaigrette—crafted with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey—that perfectly balances tangy and sweet notes. Ready in just 15 minutes and garnished with fresh parsley, it’s ideal as a healthy starter or a light, refreshing accompaniment to your favorite main course. Perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners, this easy salad recipe is a must-have in your repertoire. Keywords: classic salad, homemade vinaigrette, quick and easy salad, fresh ingredients, healthy side dish.
Wash the romaine lettuce thoroughly under cold running water. Pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess water. Tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Rinse the cherry tomatoes and slice them in half. Add them to a large salad bowl.
Peel the cucumber, slice it in half lengthwise, then slice it into half-moons. Add the slices to the salad bowl.
Cut the red onion into thin slices. Separate the rings and add them to the bowl with the lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper.
Whisk the ingredients together vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified and the mustard is fully incorporated.
Pour the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine, ensuring the salad is evenly coated with dressing.
Chop the fresh parsley finely and sprinkle it over the salad before serving.
Serve immediately for optimal freshness and flavor.
Calories |
735 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 59.5 g | 76% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.1 g | 45% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1488 mg | 65% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 45.0 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.7 g | 45% | |
| Total Sugars | 21.8 g | ||
| Protein | 12.3 g | 25% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 303 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 7.5 mg | 42% | |
| Potassium | 2124 mg | 45% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.