Sep 07 2026
RestaurantsMolly's Irish PubStarter Recipe

Starter Recipe

Inspired by Molly's Irish Pub
Time20m
Serves4

A house Green Salad or Caesar Salad

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Ingredients

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Green Salad (House)

Method

Green Salad (House)

  1. 1

    Prep vegetables

    Rinse and thoroughly dry the mixed greens using a salad spinner or clean towels. Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the cucumber and red onion, and julienne or shred the carrot. Place all vegetables in a large mixing bowl.

  2. 2

    Make dressing

    In a small bowl or jar, combine 3 tbs olive oil, 1 tbs red wine vinegar, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp honey (or maple syrup), 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until emulsified and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust salt, acid, or sweetness as needed.

  3. 3

    Dress and toss

    Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently with tongs until evenly coated. Add more dressing if desired, but avoid overdressing. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed.

  4. 4

    Finish and serve

    Transfer the dressed salad to individual plates or a serving bowl. Sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese and toasted walnuts or sliced almonds over the top if using. Serve immediately.

Caesar Salad

  1. 5

    Make or warm croutons (if making)

    If making homemade croutons, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss 2 cups cubed day-old bread with 2 tbs olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread on a baking sheet and bake 8–12 minutes until golden and crisp, turning once. Cool slightly.

  2. 6

    Make Caesar dressing

    In a mortar and pestle or small bowl, mash the anchovy fillets (if using) with the minced garlic and a pinch of salt into a paste. Whisk in 1 egg yolk (or 2 tbs mayonnaise), 1 tbs fresh lemon juice, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and about 2 tbs olive oil, whisking constantly to emulsify. Alternatively, combine all ingredients in a jar and shake until thickened. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper; adjust lemon or salt to taste.

  3. 7

    Assemble salad

    Place chopped romaine into a large bowl. Add about two-thirds of the dressing and toss gently to coat leaves evenly. Add freshly grated Parmesan and toss briefly so it adheres to the dressed leaves.

  4. 8

    Finish and serve

    Top the salad with croutons and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve immediately so croutons remain crunchy.

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