Description
This Big Italian Salad is a colorful and flavorful dish that combines fresh romaine lettuce with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and a tangy dressing. Topped with cheese and croutons, it’s a satisfying meal on its own or a delicious side for any Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Fresh Salad Ingredients:
- 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced and quartered
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Additional:
- 1/2 cup croutons
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, pepperoncini peppers, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss gently to coat, and top with croutons before serving.
Notes
- Add sliced salami or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Swap in artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook, Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cups
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
