Sometimes, you just want something fresh, crunchy, and downright satisfying. That’s why I’m excited to share this Crispy House Salad with Ranch Dressing Recipe — a classic combo that’s easy to whip up and perfect for any day. Trust me, it’s one of those salads that hits all the right notes.

A large white bowl holds a fresh salad with several layers, starting with bright green lettuce leaves at the base. On top of that, there are scattered pieces of chopped cucumber with a light green color and chunks of red tomato. Thin orange shredded carrot strands are sprinkled over the vegetables. There are also slices of hard-boiled egg with white edges and yellow yolks placed on one side. Small golden-brown croutons are scattered across the salad, and a white creamy dressing is drizzled all over the top. The bowl is set on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy House Salad with Ranch Dressing Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy House Salad with Ranch Dressing Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy House Salad with Ranch Dressing Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this house salad more times than I can count, and honestly, it never gets old. The crispness of the romaine and iceberg, paired with the creamy ranch and perfectly cooked eggs, makes it feel both fresh and indulgent. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser!

Easy to Prepare: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
Fresh and Crunchy: Combines romaine and iceberg for the ideal texture duo.
Customizable: Use homemade or store-bought ranch, and swap toppings as you like.
Versatile: Great as a light lunch or a side that complements any meal.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Gathering fresh ingredients really makes all the difference here. When I shop for this salad, I always look for crisp, vibrant lettuce and ripe tomatoes to keep every bite flavorful. And if you shred your own cheese from a block, you’ll notice an extra depth of taste that pre-shredded just can’t match.

Flat lay of fresh green romaine lettuce leaves cut into bite-size pieces, crisp iceberg lettuce torn into bite-size pieces, a white ceramic bowl of quartered and sliced English cucumber, a white ceramic bowl filled with diced ripe red tomatoes, a small white bowl holding bright orange matchstick carrots, a simple pile of freshly shredded cheddar cheese, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl filled with golden crunchy croutons, a small white bowl of creamy ranch dressing, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Romaine Lettuce: Offers a crunchy texture with a mild, slightly peppery flavor.
Iceberg Lettuce: Adds refreshing crispness and volume without overpowering the other ingredients.
English Cucumber: Provides cool, crisp slices that balance the salad’s richness.
Tomato: Gives juicy bursts of sweetness and acidity to brighten every forkful.
Matchstick Carrots: Bring a subtle sweetness and pleasant crunch.
Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharpness and creaminess, especially fresh-shredded from a block.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: Contribute protein and a rich, creamy texture.
Croutons: Play up the crunch factor—homemade or store-bought both work great.
Ranch Dressing: The tangy, herby creaminess that ties everything together perfectly.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Crispy House Salad with Ranch Dressing Recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to switch things up to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Whether you want to boost the protein, sneak in some seasonal veggies, or substitute your favorite dressing, there’s plenty of room for personalization without losing that fresh, crunchy charm.

Vegetarian Variation: I love keeping this salad vegetarian by sticking to crunchy veggies and eggs for protein. It’s simple, satisfying, and makes an excellent light lunch or side dish. Adding toasted nuts, like walnuts or pecans, can add a lovely crunch and extra nutrition.
Protein Boost: On days when I want something more filling, I toss in grilled chicken breast strips or chickpeas. These additions complement the fresh veggies and creamy ranch perfectly without overpowering the classic flavors.
Seasonal Swaps: Feel free to swap out the tomatoes or cucumbers for seasonal picks — think roasted beets or sautéed mushrooms in cooler months, or fresh sweet corn and bell peppers during summer. Each change makes it feel like a completely new, exciting salad.
Dressing Options: While ranch dressing is classic and delicious here, I’ve tried this salad with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette or a creamy avocado dressing for a different twist. Just remember to adjust the quantity to your liking — ¼ to ½ cup works well!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy House Salad with Ranch Dressing Recipe

A white bowl filled with a fresh salad placed on a white marbled surface, containing a bottom layer of green lettuce leaves mixed with chopped cucumber and tomato pieces, topped with sliced boiled eggs showing yellow yolks, shredded orange carrots scattered on top, crunchy golden-brown croutons spread around, and drizzled with white creamy dressing. There are some loose carrot strips and croutons on the surface around the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Start with Fresh, Crisp Lettuce

Begin by preparing your greens—3 cups each of romaine and iceberg lettuce, cut into bite-sized pieces. I find it helps to rinse them thoroughly and spin dry using a salad spinner to ensure they stay nice and crisp. Then, layer these fresh greens in a large salad bowl to create your crunchy, refreshing base. This combo of romaine's slight bitterness and iceberg’s cool crunch is the perfect foundation for the salad.

Step 2: Add the Veggie Vibrance

Next, arrange 1 cup of quartered and sliced English cucumber evenly over the lettuce. Then add 1 cup of tomato pieces, cut into ½-inch chunks, followed by ½ cup of matchstick carrots. These vegetables bring pops of color and a satisfying crunch, brightening both the look and flavor of your salad.

Step 3: Top with Cheese and Eggs

Now, sprinkle ½ cup of freshly shredded cheddar cheese across the salad. I always recommend shredding your own cheese right before assembling because the flavor and texture are noticeably better. Then layer on 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced evenly to distribute richness and protein throughout.

Step 4: Finish with Croutons and Ranch Dressing

Scatter ½ cup of croutons over the top for that satisfying crunch we all crave. Finally, drizzle ¼ to ½ cup of ranch dressing across the salad. You can add more or less depending on your preference, but this range typically gives a nice balance of creaminess without overwhelming the fresh veggies.

Step 5: Serve Fresh and Enjoy

You can toss the salad gently to evenly coat everything with dressing, or serve it as-is with extra croutons on the side for added texture. This salad is best enjoyed immediately to keep all those crisp elements intact—deliciously fresh, crunchy, and creamy all at once!

Top Tip

To get the most out of your Crispy House Salad with Ranch Dressing Recipe, a few simple tips can really elevate this classic salad and keep it fresh and crisp every time.

Keep the greens dry: I always recommend drying your lettuce thoroughly using a salad spinner. Moisture is the enemy of crunch, and dry greens mean your salad stays crisp longer.
Shred cheese fresh: Shredding cheddar cheese fresh from a block rather than using pre-shredded packs makes a noticeable difference in taste and texture. It melts beautifully if you want to warm the salad later too.
Separate ingredients until serving: To avoid sogginess, store the lettuce, veggies, cheese, croutons, and dressing separately and toss them together just before serving. This way, the croutons remain crunchy and the lettuce stays fresh.
Use good-quality ranch dressing: Whether homemade or store-bought, a creamy, flavorful ranch dressing really brings this salad to life, balancing the freshness and adding that comforting touch.

How to Serve Crispy House Salad with Ranch Dressing Recipe

A white plate filled with a fresh mixed salad on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is green leafy lettuce with a mix of light and dark green shades, chopped into bite-sized pieces. On top of the lettuce, there are red tomato pieces scattered evenly, as well as chunks of light green cucumber. Thin orange carrot strips are spread over the salad, adding a bright color contrast. Three slices of hard-boiled egg, showing white and pale yellow yolk, are placed evenly on the salad. The overall look is colorful and fresh, with a simple arrangement of each layer visible photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To add an extra touch of flair, consider a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives. A dusting of smoked paprika over the ranch dressing can bring some subtle warmth and color. For a little extra texture, toasted pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds work beautifully as garnish too.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or salmon for a heartier meal. For a vegetarian option, serve alongside warm crusty bread or garlic breadsticks. Another delicious companion is a bowl of soup—think creamy tomato basil or a light vegetable broth—to round out your meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover salad, store the components separately in airtight containers to keep everything fresh. The undressed salad ingredients will last up to 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Just remember to keep the dressing apart until you’re ready to serve again to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Because this Crispy House Salad with Ranch Dressing Recipe relies heavily on fresh, crunchy ingredients, freezing isn’t recommended. The texture of lettuce, eggs, and fresh veggies will degrade when frozen, losing their crispness.

Reheating

This salad is best served fresh and cold. If you want to enjoy leftovers, keep your salad undressed and add dressing just before serving. The hard-boiled eggs and cheese can be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dressing from scratch for this salad?

Absolutely! Homemade ranch dressing adds a fresh, rich flavor that complements the crisp veggies perfectly. It's easy to make with a combination of mayo, sour cream, buttermilk, and herbs like dill and parsley.

How long does the salad stay fresh once dressed?

Once you add the ranch dressing, it’s best to eat the salad within 12 to 24 hours. After that, the greens start to wilt, and the croutons will lose their crunch.

Can I substitute the romaine or iceberg lettuce?

Yes! You can use any crunchy lettuce like butterhead or green leaf, but combining a crisp lettuce like romaine or iceberg helps maintain that signature crunch in the salad.

Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

Definitely! The Crispy House Salad with Ranch Dressing Recipe includes ingredients that fit a vegetarian diet. Just make sure your ranch dressing is vegetarian-friendly, or make your own to control the ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy House Salad with Ranch Dressing Recipe is a true, reliable classic—fresh, colorful, and packed with textures that brighten up any meal. Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish, it’s simplicity at its best. With just a little prep time and a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can bring that crisp, comforting restaurant vibe right into your home. I hope you make it often and share it with family and friends because great salads like this truly bring everyone together!