Big Italian Salad Recipe – Italian Special
The Big Italian Salad is a vibrant and hearty dish that brings the best of Mediterranean flavors to your table. Packed with fresh vegetables like crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers, this salad is tossed in a tangy Italian dressing that perfectly complements its ingredients. Whether served as a side dish with pasta or grilled meats, or enjoyed on its own, this easy salad recipe is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
- Prep Time15 min
- Total Time15 min
For the Salad:
- 6 cups romaine lettuce or mixed greens, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cucumber, sliced into half-moons
- ½ cup Kalamata or black olives, pitted and sliced
- ½ cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced (optional)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated
- ½ cup croutons
For the Italian Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Prepare the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, olives, and pepperoncini.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and croutons.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Assemble the Salad:
Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Serve:
Serve immediately as a side dish with pasta, pizza, or grilled meats.
Recipe Notes :
Protein Additions: For a more filling meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
Meal Prep: This salad can be prepared ahead of time; store the dressing separately and toss just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh.
Crunchy Toppings: Enhance the texture with additional toppings like toasted nuts or crispy bacon bits.
Vegetarian Option: To make this salad vegetarian, ensure the dressing is free from anchovies and use a plant-based cheese alternative.
Dressing Variations: Experiment with different vinegars, such as balsamic, for a unique twist on the classic Italian dressing.
