In the need for a quick salad fix? Look no further than this St. Louis Original Italian Salad. Straight from my hometown, it's a classic favorite that's ready in just 5 minutes flat! But here's the kicker—it's not just any salad. With a handful of ingredients and a homemade dressing so good, you'll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought.
The St. Louis Original Italian Salad, also known as the Pasta House Salad, is a beloved dish originating from St. Louis, Missouri.
It gained popularity through local restaurants, particularly The Pasta House Co., which is known for its signature version of this salad. The salad typically features crisp iceberg lettuce (or romaine, as a modern twist), tangy red onions, artichoke hearts, pimentos, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
What sets it apart is the tangy and flavorful homemade dressing, which is a simple yet essential blend of vegetable oil, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
This was inspired by my toasted raviolis, and pairs well with this my grilled bbq pork steaks.
This recipe pairs great with Chicken Breast Stuffed with Stuffing, Mussels in Butter Garlic Sauce, and Baked Calamari . Also be sure to check out my Insalata Mista and Avocado & Radish Green Salad.
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🌟 Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Homemade Flavor: This recipe offers a homemade dressing that's bursting with tangy and zesty flavors, far surpassing the taste of store-bought dressings.
- Budget-Friendly: Skip the expensive store-bought dressings and whip up this delightful dressing at home with just a few simple ingredients, saving money without compromising on taste.
- St. Louis Charm: Experience a taste of St. Louis with this iconic salad, packed with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors that will transport you to the heart of the Midwest with every bite.
🥘 Ingredients
The red wine vinegar adds a tangy kick to the dressing, while the oils provide a smooth and velvety texture. Each ingredient, from the crisp lettuce to the savory Parmesan cheese, is carefully selected to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in this iconic St. Louis salad.
- Lettuce (Romaine or iceberg)
- Red onion
- Artichoke hearts (quartered)
- Pimentos
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing
- Vegetable oil
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Salt
- Pepper
See recipe card for quantities.
🔪 Instructions
Combine chopped lettuce, sliced red onion, drained artichoke hearts, pimentos, and Parmesan cheese in a large bowl.
In a jar with a lid, shake together vegetable oil, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl.
Toss the salad well to ensure even coating with the dressing.
👩🏼🍳 Chef's Tip
- Make sure that the lettuce is thoroughly washed and dried before assembling the salad. This ensures that the dressing adheres well to the leaves and prevents any excess moisture from diluting the flavors of the dish, resulting in a crisp and refreshing salad experience.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegetarian alternative. Add protein sources like chickpeas or tofu for your St Louis Original Italian Salad.
- Gluten-Free Twist: Use gluten-free red wine vinegar and ensure all ingredients are free from gluten.
- St. Louis Classic with Provel Cheese: Embrace the iconic St. Louis flavor by adding Provel cheese to the salad. This local favorite brings a unique and slightly tangy taste to the dish, perfectly complementing the other ingredients.
🍴 Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Jar with a tight-fitting lid for dressing
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Can opener
- Grater
- Measuring spoons
- Salad tongs or serving utensils
💭 Recipe FAQs
No, traditionally, St. Louis salads are served with Parmesan Reggiano cheese. While Provel cheese is unique to St. Louis and commonly associated with the region, it's not typically used in the classic St. Louis Original Italian Salad. However, feel free to add Provel cheese if you enjoy its distinctive flavor.
Yes, you can use a different type of lettuce such as iceberg or mixed greens instead of Romaine lettuce. Choose the one that suits your taste and preference.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. However, it's best to consume the salad immediately after preparing it to maintain its freshness and texture.
🥣 Storage
Storage: Store the dressing in a sealed container in the fridge. Keep the salad mix in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy St Louis Original Italian Salad within 1-2 days for optimal freshness. Remember to shake the dressing before using again.
🍷 Wine Pairing
Its crisp acidity and citrusy notes complement the tangy dressing and fresh ingredients of the salad. Additionally, the light and refreshing character of Sauvignon Blanc enhances the overall dining experience without overpowering the flavors of the dish.
👩🏼🍳 Top Tips
- Dry Lettuce Well: Ensure lettuce is thoroughly dried to prevent a watery salad.
- Emulsify Dressing: Shake or whisk dressing vigorously for a smooth blend.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample dressing before adding; adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed.
🌿 Related Recipes
🥗 Pairing Recommendations
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating & comment below to let me know how it came out. Thanks for visiting!
📋 Recipe
St Louis Salad (Pasta House Italian Salad)
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Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Jar with lid for dressing
- Cutting board
- Chef's Knife
- Can opener
- Grater
- Measuring spoons
- Salad tongs or serving utensils
Ingredients
- 4 cups Lettuce chopped (I used Romaine)
- ½ small Red Onion thinly sliced
- 1 can Quartered Artichoke hearts drained (the more the better, in my opinion!)
- 2 tablespoons Jarred Pimentos
- 4 tablespoons Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Dressing
- 4 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, red onion, artichoke hearts, pimentos, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- In a jar with a lid, add the vegetable oil, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Close the lid tightly and shake well to emulsify the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl.
- Toss the salad well to ensure the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
- Serve the St. Louis Original Italian Salad immediately.
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