Today I’m sharing my favorite house salads and dressings—my go-to greens for every season and occasion.
For years I’ve had a signature “house” salad here on the blog. While I often get bored with recipes, I love being known for a reliable dish—especially a great salad. A signature salad should be easy, versatile, and something you can make with ingredients you usually have on hand. It’s also a simple way to add vegetables to weeknight meals, even when the main dish doesn’t emphasize them.
The first house salad I shared was my How Sweet Eats House Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette, posted over five years ago. It’s the most-made salad in our house and a crowd favorite. Crisp greens, crunchy elements, cheese, and a bright apple cider vinaigrette make it a perfect, classic salad that pairs with almost anything—pizza included. It’s truly my forever house salad.
That said, I do vary my “signature” depending on the season. The original leans slightly Italian in flavor, so I rotate other favorites throughout the year. Below are the salads I reach for most often, organized by use and season, so you can pick the one that suits your meal.
For the classic of all classics:
Choose my How Sweet Eats House Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette. This is my OG house salad—light, refreshing, and reliably delicious. It’s simple enough to make often, yet satisfying with plenty of texture and a well-balanced dressing. If you want a no-fail salad that complements everyday dinners, this is it.
For an everyday dinner salad:
Try the Kale Caesar Crunch Salad. It’s incredibly versatile and pairs with nearly anything. The salad is minimal in add-ins—mostly parmesan and crispy breadcrumbs—so it’s simple yet satisfying. Kale holds up well, making this salad a great choice for leftovers or a packed lunch the next day. The dressing keeps well in the fridge and can double as a dip or spread.
For a warm-weather crowd-pleaser:
Make the Blueberry Summer Salad with Creamy Balsamic. This salad is light, refreshing, and perfect for spring and summer. Blueberries, crisp cucumbers, and almonds add sweet and crunchy contrasts, while the creamy balsamic ties everything together. It’s great for backyard cookouts, light dinners, or a quick summer lunch.
For a loaded summer salad for vegetable lovers:
Choose the Summer House Salad with Herb Vinaigrette. This is a true summer salad that shines when tomatoes and corn are at their peak. Fresh herbs in the vinaigrette make it bright and fragrant. It’s geared toward vegetable-forward eaters but also includes sweet mango and salty feta for balance.
For autumn entertaining:
Serve the Pomegranate Greens Salad with Spiced Orange Vinaigrette. This salad captures fall flavors with juicy pomegranate seeds, crisp halloumi, and a warming orange vinaigrette. It pairs beautifully with comforting fall mains without overwhelming the meal, and it keeps the plate feeling fresh.
For a simple winter holiday salad:
Go with the Pear Gorgonzola Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette. During the holidays I like to include something greens-forward to balance heavier dishes. This salad is elegant and light, with crunchy textures, crisp pears, and tangy gorgonzola. It complements festive meals without competing for attention.
If you own Everyday Dinners, you’ll know the Sauces & Dressings chapter is a treasure trove of fridge essentials—dozens of dressings and sauces that elevate weeknight meals. Below are a number of my favorite dressings that I reach for regularly; they’re versatile, easy to make, and transform simple salads into something memorable.
- Honey mustard vinaigrette
- Hot ginger vinaigrette
- Shallot vinaigrette
- Dill pickle vinaigrette
- Citrus poppyseed dressing
- Apricot vinaigrette
- Ginger tahini dressing
- Cinnamon shallot vinaigrette
I have many more salad recipes in the salad section of the blog, covering a wide range of flavors and ingredients for every season and appetite.
What’s your go-to house salad and favorite dressing? I’d love to hear about it below.