St Louis Original Salad (2024)

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.

🥘 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.

📖 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

🥣 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

Sauvignon Blanc

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.

🥗 Pairing Recommendations

📋 Recipe

More Salads