A Fresh Counterpoint to Hearty Pub Fare
While Hooley’s Pub was best known for its bold, comfort-heavy meals, its salad selections offered a lighter, more balanced side of the menu. These dishes featured fresh greens, house-made vinaigrettes, and thoughtful combinations that provided contrast to the richer items found elsewhere on the plate. Though the pub has since closed, its approach to salad-building showed a commitment to freshness, texture, and flexibility.
Mixing Greens with Depth: The House Salad
The House Salad at Hooley’s is blended mixed greens with goat cheese, tomatoes, carrots, and toasted pecans. A house-made garlic vinaigrette brought everything together, delivering a sharp but well-rounded finish. While many pubs might have opted for a basic side salad, this version offered complexity without heaviness. In addition, guests often chose to add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon—turning it into a full meal with ease.
Caesar Salad with Classic Pub Appeal
For those who preferred something more traditional, the Caesar Salad filled that role. Fresh romaine lettuce came tossed in creamy Caesar dressing, then topped with croutons, parmesan, and crisp bacon bits. However, its strength came from more than just familiarity; Hooley’s gave the classic a reliably consistent preparation. Guests frequently elevated the dish by adding protein, making it both satisfying and versatile.
Baked Goat Cheese and Balsamic Brightness
A more distinctive option came with the Baked Goat’s Cheese Salad. Served over fresh greens and roasted red peppers, this dish was finished with a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette. The warm goat cheese added creaminess and richness, especially when paired with accompanying bruschetta-style bread. As a result, this salad stood out as a more indulgent starter or a standalone entrée.
Sweetness and Warmth in the Walnut Salad
For something fruit-forward, the Walnut Salad combined mandarin orange segments with a warm walnut vinaigrette. The sweet citrus played against the earthy richness of the dressing, offering a blend of brightness and depth. Meanwhile, add-ons like salmon, shrimp, or chicken gave diners the option to tailor the dish toward their preferences or dietary needs.
Together, these salads represented Hooley’s commitment to range and quality. While known for its heartier fare, the pub’s salad options offered a refreshing balance, both in terms of ingredients and culinary intent.