If you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful, and satisfyingly tangy salad to brighten up your meals, the Village Tavern House Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. This classic combination brings together crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, savory mushrooms, and bold blue cheese, all perfectly balanced with a homemade vinaigrette that awakens every bite. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch or a vibrant side, this salad’s crowd-pleasing colors and textures will have everyone asking for the recipe again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Village Tavern House Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is chosen to contribute essential flavors, textures, and colors that make this salad so memorable. Gather these fresh staples and pantry essentials to get started.
- ½ cup cider vinegar: Provides a tangy backbone to the dressing, brightening all the flavors.
- 2 tsp jarred minced garlic: Adds a subtle, savory warmth without overpowering the salad.
- 2 tsp salt (or to taste): Enhances the natural flavors and balances the vinaigrette.
- 2½ Tbsp sugar: Offers a touch of sweetness to round out the dressing’s acidity.
- ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste): Introduces a gentle heat and depth.
- 1½ cups blended oil (or light olive oil or canola oil): Creates a smooth emulsification for the dressing’s rich mouthfeel.
- 4 cups salad mix: The fresh, crisp base of greens that brings color and crunch.
- ½ cup diced fresh tomatoes: Juicy bursts that add vibrancy and a hint of sweetness.
- ½ cup mushrooms, sliced ¼ inch: Earthy and tender, adding subtle umami notes.
- ½ cup blue cheese, crumbled: Bold and creamy, offering tang and richness.
- ¼ cup bacon crumbles: Adds smoky crunch that’s downright addictive.
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced: Sharp and crisp for a lovely contrast in texture and flavor.
How to Make Village Tavern House Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Tangy Dressing
Start by combining the cider vinegar, jarred garlic, salt, sugar, and black pepper in a mixing bowl or your blender. Whisk or blend these ingredients until the salt and sugar dissolve completely. Slowly drizzle in the oil while mixing vigorously to create a smooth, creamy emulsion. This homemade dressing is the soul of your Village Tavern House Salad Recipe, delivering that perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy.
Step 2: Toss the Salad Base
Place the fresh salad mix and juicy diced tomatoes in a large bowl. Pour in your desired amount of the prepared dressing, then toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure each leaf and tomato piece gets coated. This step ensures the salad is flavorful and cohesive from the very first bite.
Step 3: Build the Flavorful Toppings
Once your greens and tomatoes are dressed, pile them into the center of a large salad bowl. Top the bed of dressed greens evenly with the sliced mushrooms, crumbled blue cheese, bacon bits, and thinly sliced red onions. Each topping brings its own unique personality to the Village Tavern House Salad Recipe, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
How to Serve Village Tavern House Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, consider sprinkling fresh herbs like parsley or chives over the salad. Not only do they add a burst of fresh color, but their subtle flavors complement the savory and tangy components beautifully, elevating your Village Tavern House Salad Recipe to a restaurant-quality dish.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains. Think grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or even a hearty quiche for a delightful meal. Its vibrant flavors and textures provide a refreshing counterpoint, making any meal feel balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Village Tavern House Salad Recipe in individual glass bowls for a stylish touch, or in a large wooden salad bowl to accentuate its rustic charm. Layering the salad ingredients in a clear jar for picnic lunches can also be a fun and practical presentation, keeping everything fresh and crisp until you’re ready to toss and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have salad leftovers, store them separately from the dressing to keep the greens crisp. Keep your toppings and dressing in airtight containers in the refrigerator, then combine just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess in your Village Tavern House Salad Recipe.
Freezing
Since this salad relies heavily on fresh ingredients and a delicate dressing, freezing is not recommended. The texture and flavor of the greens, tomatoes, and toppings would deteriorate significantly upon thawing.
Reheating
As a cold salad, this recipe is best enjoyed fresh straight from the fridge. There is no need to reheat, and doing so would compromise the crispness and vibrant flavors that make the Village Tavern House Salad Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of vinegar in the dressing?
Absolutely! While cider vinegar brings a nice balance of tang and sweetness, you can substitute with red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile that will still complement the salad wonderfully.
Is there a substitute for blue cheese?
If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, feta or goat cheese are excellent alternatives. They maintain the creamy texture and add a pleasant tang without overwhelming the salad’s other flavors.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing actually tastes better after resting in the fridge for a few hours as the flavors meld perfectly. Just give it a quick shake or stir before tossing it with the salad to re-emulsify the oil and vinegar mixture.
How do I keep the salad fresh if not eating it right away?
Keep your salad ingredients separate from the dressing and toppings until you’re ready to eat. Store everything in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and combine when serving to ensure the greens stay crisp and the salad tastes fresh.
Can I add protein to make this a main dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu can be added to the salad to make it a filling main. The Village Tavern House Salad Recipe serves as a fantastic base that pairs beautifully with various proteins.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely encourage you to give the Village Tavern House Salad Recipe a try on your next meal. Its combination of bright, balanced dressing and delicious toppings transforms simple salad ingredients into something truly special. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just treating yourself to something fresh and flavorful, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!
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Village Tavern House Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A classic Village Tavern House Salad featuring a crisp salad mix topped with fresh tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, blue cheese, bacon crumbles, and red onion, all dressed with a tangy homemade cider vinegar dressing infused with garlic and herbs. Perfect as a light lunch or a side salad for dinner, this flavorful salad comes together quickly in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Dressing Ingredients
- ½ cup cider vinegar
- 2 tsp jarred minced garlic
- 2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 2½ Tbsp sugar
- ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1½ cups blended oil (or light olive oil or canola oil)
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups salad mix
- ½ cup diced fresh tomatoes
- ½ cup mushrooms, sliced ¼ inch
- ½ cup blue cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup bacon crumbles
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: Combine cider vinegar, jarred minced garlic, salt, sugar, and black pepper in a mixing bowl or blender. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined. While mixing constantly, slowly add the blended oil to emulsify the dressing. Transfer the dressing to a storage container and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Assemble the salad base: Place the salad mix and diced fresh tomatoes into a large bowl. Add the desired amount of the prepared dressing and toss gently yet thoroughly to coat all the greens and tomatoes evenly.
- Finish and serve: Evenly pile the dressed salad mixture into the center of a large serving bowl. Top with the sliced mushrooms, crumbled blue cheese, bacon crumbles, and thinly sliced red onions. Serve immediately for optimal freshness and flavor.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of salt and pepper in the dressing to taste.
- The dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon crumbles or replace with smoked tempeh or mushrooms.
- Use fresh, high-quality salad greens for the best texture and flavor.
- To reduce fat, consider using a light oil or reducing the amount of oil in the dressing slightly.
