Pasta House Salad Recipe

With its classic Italian flavors this pasta house salad recipe is fresh, flavorful and satisfying. Made with 2 kinds of lettuce, red onions, artichokes and Italian dressing, this pasta house salad is best with any pasta or with your favorite protein.

If you love to eat salads, then you must have ever heard about this classic Italian Pasta house salad recipe, made with lettuce, artichokes with a tangy Italian dressing. This is one of the best Italian salads I’ve ever tasted, super simple and super easy to make and once you make this salad, you’ll fall in love with it..❤️️❤️️

If you’ve ever visited or lived in St. Louis Missouri, you must know what I’m talking about. I never forget a big delicious bowl of this pasta house salad filled with artichokes, red onions, pimentos and 2 kinds of lettuce, which is then dressed in a tangy Italian dressing mixed in red wine vinegar, olive oil, and some spices.🥗😋

Why this recipe works??

It’s super easy-to-make

It’s beginners friendly

It’s budget friendly

It’s completely vegan

You can enjoy a signature recipe of pasta house at home without going there

What Kind of Lettuce?

Start with the crispiness of Lettuce. In the recipe, I’m using two types of lettuce, romaine, and Iceberg lettuce to add extra flavor and get the classic flavor of pasta house salad.

But if you like a variation in this classic pasta house salad recipe,  feel free to use any combination you like for your salad like mix greens, black olives or anything you like to add in.

How to reduce the bitterness of onion?

As this salad calls for sliced red onions, and if you’re worried about the bitter flavor of onions, I can give some suggestions to make the onions less overpowering. 

• You can soak them in a bath of ice, water and a bit of white wine vinegar.
• Soak the sliced onion in a solution of baking soda and water for 15 minutes. 
• You can also give them a quick sweat in a heated pan.

Why Artichokes?

Now for the star ingredient: Artichokes. With the slightly nutty and earthy flavor, Artichokes contain antioxidants and are a great source of fiber that are good for your heart.

For the recipe, I’ll recommend using canned or jarred artichoke hearts, as they are already cooked and ready to use. Simple drain and cut them into quarters or wedges. 

Pasta House Salad Ingredients

For Salad

Iceberg lettuce: Take 1 head of fresh and crisp Iceberg lettuce.

Romaine lettuce: Take 1/3 head of Romaine lettuce. As the combination of iceberg and romaine lettuce gives a great texture.

Artichoke hearts: Add 6 pieces of artichoke hearts.

Diced pimentos: Add 1/2 oz. of diced pimentos.

Red onion: Add 1 oz. sliced red onions.

For Dressing

Extra virgin olive oil: Take 2/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil

Red wine vinegar: Add 1/3 cup of red wine vinegar

Grated Parmigiano cheese: Take 1/2 cup of Parmigiano cheese

Salt and pepper: Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to make Pasta House Salad Recipe?

Step 1

Take a bowl and add 1 head of fresh and crispy iceberg and 1/3 cup of Romaine lettuce. Be sure to use freshly purchased lettuce, rinse it thoroughly and cut into bite size pieces.

Step 2

Add 1oz. or 28g (1 medium) sliced onion. If you don’t like the bitter taste of fresh onion, soak in water with baking soda for 15 minutes or fry for 1 or 2 minutes to reduce the bitterness of onion.

Step 3

Add 6 pieces of artichoke hearts. Prefer to use canned or jarred artichokes, as they are ready to use, so simply drain and cut into pieces.

step 4

Add 1/2 oz. or 1 tablespoon of Diced pimentos.

Step 5

Mix everything to mix all ingredients well. Add Italian Dressing and toss the salad thoroughly.

Step 6

Now Add 1/2 cup of parmigiano cheese and toss it again. Your homemade pasta house salad is ready.

How to make Pasta house Salad Recipe Dressing?

To make pasta house salad recipe dressing, take a bowl and add 2/3 cup of olive oil, and 1/3 cup of red wine vinegar. For extra velvety flavor, you can use extra virgin olive oil. Now add salt and freshly ground pepper to the dressing and mix it well.

Pro Tips for Pasta house salad recipe

To give a good mix to your pasta house salad dressing, you can use a mason jar instead of bowl.

Be sure to use canned or jarred artichoke hearts instead of fresh ones, as they are pre-cooked or ready to use.

To reduce the bitterness of onion, take any one of the measurements, I’ve explained above.

Be sure to use fresh and crisp lettuce for extra flavor of your salad.

Serve chilled or not?

Well, the taste of pasta house salad goes best when you chill the salad for a while. But as we are using fresh and crisp lettuce leaves and the excess chilling or freezing time can make the lettuce leaves soggy, so be sure to minimize the chilling time to approximately 10 to 15 minutes, and then serve.

Serve the salad with Protein

This satisfying and refreshing salad is perfect for lunch or dinner. You can serve this salad with some grilled chicken like Cava Grilled Chicken or with New York Fried Chicken for a heartier meal.

Can I make this Salad in advance?

Why not! You can make the dressing a day or more in advance. But when you rinse and cut the lettuce, it cannot be stored for a longer period, so if you are planning to make the salad ahead of time, simply make the dressing, cut the onions, and drain the artichokes, and then you can store everything in the fridge separately.

What to serve with Pasta house Salad?

You can enjoy this delicious salad on its own, or serve it with your favorite lunch or dinner like Marry Me Chicken, Cava Grilled Chicken or with New York Fried Chicken.

For desserts, you can finish it with our best Libby’s Pumpkin Cheesecake, or with easy and full protein Anabolic Ice Cream.

Pasta House Salad Recipe Nutrition Facts

The recipe of Pasta House Salad Recipe goes for 4 servings. Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:

• Calories (per serving): 137kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Calcium: 174mg
• Calories: 429kcal
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Cholesterol: 9mg
• Fat: 41g
• Fiber: 3g
• Iron: 1mg
• Potassium: 96mg
• Protein: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Sodium: 582mg
• Vitamin A: 1838IU
• Vitamin C: 47mg

Your Queries Got Answered!!

What is Pasta house salad recipe?

Pasta house salad recipe is a famous salad you can find in St. Louis Missouri, made with fresh and crunchy lettuce, artichokes, red onion and pimentos, tossed in a delicious Italian Salad dressing made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper. And finally add Parmigiano cheese to complete the fantasy..

what is pasta house salad dressing recipe?

To make pasta house salad dressing, take 2/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 1/3 cup of red wine vinegar, salt and pepper and mix it well. Your Pasta house salad dressing is ready.

Can I make the pasta house salad ahead of time?

you can make the salad dressing in advance, and can chop some ingredients, but its best to assemble the salad just before serving to maintain its freshness and crispiness.

Can I substitute any of the lettuces?

yes, you can adjust the type and ratios of lettuce according to on your taste and preferences.

What can I use as a substitute for Regina wine vinegar?

If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can use Regina wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar as alternatives, but it can change the flavor of dressing slightly.

Is there a recommended brand of Parmigiano Cheese?

you can use any good-quality parmigiano cheese, but freshly grated parmesan cheese tends to enhance the flavor.

How do I store the leftovers?

You can store the leftover salad in an air-tight container, but keep in mind that the lettuce may loose its crispiness over time.

Can I add protein to this salad, such as grilled chicken or shrimp?

Absolutely, you can pair your salad any of your favorite protein like grilled cava chicken, New York Fried chicken, shrimp or even tofu can also be a great protein packed meal.