Simple Italian Salad
This Simple Italian Salad is your go-to for a quick and delicious side dish.
Packed with tangy olives, zesty pepperoncini, and juicy cherry tomatoes, it’s bursting with flavor.
Ready in just 15 minutes, this vibrant salad is perfect for pairing with pasta or any meal that needs a little extra flair.
Your family will love the mix of fresh veggies and crispy croutons, and you’ll love how easy it is to prepare!
For Simple Italian Salad
- Romaine Lettuce – Fresh, crisp, and the perfect base for this vibrant salad.
- Butter Lettuce Blend – Adds a soft, delicate texture and balance to the romaine.
- Red Onion – Thinly sliced for a mild, crisp bite that adds depth to the salad.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Sweet and juicy, these add a pop of color and freshness.
- Black Olives – Pitted and halved for a briny, tangy contrast.
- Pepperoncini – For a zesty kick that brightens up the flavors of the salad.
- Croutons – Crunchy and golden, these bring a satisfying texture to every bite.
- Italian Dressing – Zesty and tangy, it ties all the flavors together.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper – To season and enhance the flavors.
- Shaved Parmesan – For a rich, cheesy finish.
Simple Italian Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 heart of romaine lettuce, chopped (about 3 cups)
- 4 cups loosely packed butter lettuce blend
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup pitted medium black olives, whole or halved
- ½ cup jarred sliced pepperoncini
- 1 cup croutons (Hot Dog Bun Croutons recommended)
- ¾ cup Homemade Italian Dressing (or your preferred dressing)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese (see Notes)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, butter lettuce, red onion, tomatoes, olives, and pepperoncini.
- Toss to combine.
- Add Croutons and Dressing:
- Add croutons and drizzle with the Italian dressing, adjusting the amount to your preference.
- Toss again gently to coat, being careful not to break up the croutons.
- Season and Garnish:
- Season with freshly ground black pepper, then garnish with shaved Parmesan.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, offering extra dressing on the side if desired.
Notes:
- Shaving Parmesan: For thin Parmesan shavings, use the slicing blade of a box grater or a vegetable peeler along one of the flat sides of a Parmesan block.
- Nutrition: The nutrition estimate is based on one serving (1/6 of the recipe) using 2 tablespoons of dressing.
Nutrition
Calories: 139 kcal | Carbohydrates: 11 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 9 g | Saturated Fat: 2 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 3 mg | Sodium: 562 mg | Potassium: 258 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 5 g | Vitamin A: 2988 IU | Vitamin C: 17 mg | Calcium: 87 mg | Iron: 1 mg
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prep all the ingredients (except the croutons and dressing) up to 24 hours in advance. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to toss everything together. Dress the salad right before serving to keep those croutons nice and crispy!
- What if I don’t have all the ingredients?
No problem! This salad is super flexible. You can swap the black olives for green olives, or even use cucumber instead of tomatoes. If you’re missing pepperoncini, try using banana peppers or a dash of hot sauce for some kick!
- How do I keep the croutons from getting soggy?
To keep the crunch! Add the croutons at the very end, just before serving, and toss gently. That way, they won’t soak up too much of the dressing and will stay nice and crispy.
- Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply skip the croutons with any non-vegetarian ingredients and load up on extra veggies like cucumbers, bell peppers, or even roasted chickpeas for some protein!
- How do I make this salad spicier?
If you like a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes, or add extra pepperoncini or even some fresh jalapeños for an extra kick. It’s a great way to spice up this fresh, zesty salad!
