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everyday house green salad

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The Everyday House Green Salad (with Simple Maple Dijon Dressing)

If you’re looking for that go-to salad you can make on repeat, this is it. I like to call it The Everyday House Green Salad—a simple, fresh, and incredibly versatile side dish that works for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings. It’s crisp, colorful, and tossed in a homemade dressing that’s so good, people will always ask for the recipe.

This is the kind of salad I’ve been making for years. It’s reliable, customizable, and comes together in minutes. The base is made up of crunchy lettuce, fresh vegetables, and a sprinkle of parmesan, all tied together with a sweet and tangy maple Dijon vinaigrette. It’s light but flavorful, and pairs perfectly with just about any main dish.

The best part? It’s not just a salad—it’s a foundation. You can easily build on it by adding protein, grains, or extra toppings depending on what you have on hand.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

  • Simple, everyday ingredients
  • Perfect balance of crunch and flavor
  • Homemade dressing that elevates everything
  • Easy to customize and build on
  • Ideal for entertaining or daily meals

How to Make It

  • Start by washing and drying your lettuce thoroughly, then chop or tear it into bite-sized pieces. Add it to a large bowl along with the sliced bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and radishes. Sprinkle over the fresh herbs and grated parmesan.
  • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and optional garlic until well combined.
  • Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Tips for the Best Green Salad

  • Slice everything thinly for the perfect texture in every bite
  • Dress right before serving to keep the lettuce crisp
  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients—this salad is simple, so it makes a difference
  • Customize it with grilled chicken, chickpeas, nuts, or seeds

This Everyday House Green Salad is proof that simple doesn’t have to be boring. With its crisp texture, fresh flavors, and irresistible homemade dressing, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again—whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just making a quick side for yourself.

How To Make everyday house green salad

The Ingredients

For the salad:

  • 1 head of lettuce: The crisp, refreshing base of the salad.
    Substitute: Romaine, butter lettuce, mixed greens, or even arugula for a peppery bite.

  • 1/2 bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and a pop of color.
    Substitute: Any color bell pepper, shredded carrots, or cherry tomatoes.

  • 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced: Brings coolness and crunch.
    Substitute: Persian cucumbers, zucchini ribbons, or celery.

  • 1/3 red onion, thinly sliced: Adds sharpness and depth.
    Substitute: Shallots, green onions, or soak red onion in water to mellow the flavor.

  • 3 radishes, thinly sliced: Peppery, crisp, and visually beautiful.
    Substitute: Jicama or omit if you prefer a milder flavor.

  • Fresh dill or chives: Adds brightness and a fresh herb finish.
    Substitute: Parsley, basil, or green onion tops.

  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty flavor that ties everything together.
    Substitute: Pecorino Romano, feta, goat cheese, or a dairy-free alternative.

For the Maple Dijon Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil: Creates a smooth, rich base.
    Substitute: Avocado oil or any neutral oil.

  • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar: Adds tang and slight sweetness.
    Substitute: Red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice.

  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and adds depth.

  • 2 tsp maple syrup: Balances the acidity with natural sweetness.
    Substitute: Honey or a pinch of sugar.

  • Optional: 1 garlic clove, grated
    Adds a subtle punch and extra flavor.

What You Need

The Steps

  • Wash and slice vegetables (I love using a mandolin for thinly slicing)
  • Whisk together dressing ingredients (taste and adjust as needed)
  • Before serving, toss the salad with dressing

Recipe Tips

You can swap the ingredients for your favorite vegetables. 
 

 

everyday house green salad

Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 160

Ingredients

  • 1 head of lettuce
  • 1/2 bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cucumber thinly sliced
  • 1/3 red onion thinly sliced
  • 3 radishes thinly sliced
  • Fresh dill or chives
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

Maple Dijon Dressing

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp maple syrup
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 garlic clove grated

Instructions

  • Wash and slice vegetables (I love using a mandolin for thinly slicing)
  • Whisk together dressing ingredients (taste and adjust as needed)
  • Before serving, toss the salad with dressing

Notes

You can swap the ingredients for your favorite vegetables. 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 160kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 5gFat: 13gFiber: 2g

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Meet Ivanka

Recipe creator, toddler mama & wellness enthusiast. Happy&Full is a blog all about quick and easy recipes for every day living! Eating well (and feeling well) doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

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