The Best Homemade Italian Salad Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This homemade Italian salad is fresh, flavorful, and super easy to make—perfect for any meal or gathering. You’ll love how simple it is to throw together while still tasting like something special.

• Bright, zesty flavors—crisp veggies, tangy olives, and a punchy dressing make every bite exciting.
• Customizable—swap in your favorite ingredients or add protein to make it a full meal.
• Quick to prepare—just chop, toss, and serve, with no complicated steps or waiting time.

Recipe

Italian salad is a revitalizing and vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s made with crisp vegetables, savory olives, and a tangy dressing, making it a versatile side dish or light meal. Here’s how to make it at home.

Ingredients

• 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup green olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, green olives, and pepperoncini peppers.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
4. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top and give the salad a gentle toss.
5. Serve immediately.

Notes

• For added protein, toss in grilled chicken or shrimp.
• Substitute Parmesan cheese with feta or mozzarella for a different flavor.

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk

Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 0 minutes

Cuisine

Italian

Serving

4 servings

Nutrition

This Italian salad is packed with fresh ingredients, offering a nutritious and flavorful meal. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.

What To Serve With It

I love serving my Italian salad with warm, crusty Italian bread—it’s perfect for soaking up the dressing. A glass of crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully with the fresh flavors. Trust me, this combo turns a simple salad into a meal you’ll crave.

Italian Bread Pairings

When you’re serving up a fresh Italian salad, you can’t go wrong with a side of crusty bread—it’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of dressing. I love pairing mine with a warm ciabatta, its chewy interior and crisp crust adding just the right texture. A rustic sourdough works too, especially if you toast it lightly with a drizzle of olive oil. For something simpler, a baguette sliced thin does the trick. And don’t forget focaccia—its herby, salty top is irresistible. Trust me, any of these will turn your salad into a meal worth savoring.

Wine Selection Suggestions

To complement your Italian salad, you’ll want a wine that’s light and invigorating, just like the dish itself. I always reach for a crisp Pinot Grigio or a revitalizing Sauvignon Blanc—they’re bright, zesty, and let the salad’s flavors shine. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, try a dry rosé—it’s got a hint of fruitiness that pairs perfectly with tangy dressings. Personally, I love sipping a chilled Prosecco with my salad—it’s bubbly and just feels celebratory. Remember, the goal is to enhance, not overpower, so stick to wines that feel light on the palate. Cheers to a meal that’s as vibrant as your salad!

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younes

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