Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for a big classic Italian salad! It’s this beautiful medley of vibrant colors and fresh ingredients that just screams summer. Picture this: crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers all mingling together, creating a stunning display. I whip this up on warm days or during family gatherings, and it always gets everyone excited! The best part? It’s so easy to make, yet it feels like a celebration in a bowl. Trust me, every bite is a delightful explosion of flavor. You’ll want to dive right in and enjoy it with your loved ones!
Ingredients for Big Classic Italian Salad
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup black olives, pitted
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup salami, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Big Classic Italian Salad
Getting this big classic Italian salad ready is a breeze! I promise you, it’s as simple as chopping, mixing, and tossing. First, grab a large salad bowl and start by chopping the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Place it right in the bowl; it’s the perfect base! Next, take those cherry tomatoes and slice them in half—oh, the color they add is simply gorgeous! Now, slice your cucumber and thinly slice the red onion, tossing each new ingredient into the bowl as you go. Don’t forget about those black olives and mozzarella balls; they bring such delightful flavors and textures!
Now, onto the salami! Slice it up and add it to the mix. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing is where the magic happens! Pour it over your vibrant salad and get ready to toss everything together. But be gentle—this isn’t a wrestling match. Just use salad tongs or two forks to combine everything evenly. And voilà! You’ve got yourself a big classic Italian salad that’s ready to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Chop the romaine lettuce and place it in a large salad bowl.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion to the bowl.
- Mix in the pitted black olives and mozzarella balls for that creamy goodness.
- Slice the salami and add it to the bowl, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together, ensuring a nice even coating.
- Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for later—just remember to toss it again before serving!
And there you have it! Tossing the salad gently is key, so everything stays fresh and crisp. You don’t want to bruise those beautiful veggies! Enjoy the vibrant flavors and colors—you’re in for a treat!
Why You’ll Love This Big Classic Italian Salad
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy days
- Loaded with fresh, vibrant ingredients that burst with flavor
- Healthy and satisfying, making it a guilt-free indulgence
- Great for meal prep or as a side dish for any occasion
- Customizable to your taste—add your favorite veggies or proteins!
Tips for Success with Big Classic Italian Salad
To make your big classic Italian salad truly shine, start by choosing ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes—look for ones that are firm and bright. Freshness is key! When storing leftovers, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat; this helps maintain that delightful crunch. If you want to elevate the flavors, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley right before serving. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses, like feta or parmesan, for an extra flavor kick. Trust me, these little tips will take your salad to the next level!
Variations of Big Classic Italian Salad
One of the best things about a big classic Italian salad is how easily you can customize it! Feel free to throw in some colorful bell peppers or artichoke hearts for extra crunch and flavor. Want to amp up the protein? Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for a satisfying twist! You could even swap out the salami for prosciutto or pepperoni if you’re feeling adventurous. And don’t forget about the cheese—try adding crumbled feta or shaved parmesan for a different taste sensation. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine and make this salad your own!
Nutritional Information for Big Classic Italian Salad
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Here’s a rough estimate for one serving of this big classic Italian salad:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
This salad is not only delicious but also a healthy choice packed with nutrients!
FAQ About Big Classic Italian Salad
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can chop all your veggies and prepare the dressing in advance. Just keep them separate until you’re ready to serve to keep everything fresh and crisp.
What can I substitute for salami?
If you’re looking for alternatives, try using grilled chicken, turkey, or even some roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian option. All will add that satisfying protein boost!
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, your big classic Italian salad will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Just remember to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy it!
Can I add fruit to this salad?
Yes! Adding fruits like sliced strawberries or diced apples can give a lovely sweet contrast to the savory ingredients. It’s a delightful twist!
What’s the best way to serve this salad?
I love serving it chilled, right after tossing! It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or even as a light lunch on its own. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Big Classic Italian Salad: 7 Fresh Ingredients You’ll Love
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A big classic Italian salad filled with fresh vegetables and savory ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup black olives, pitted
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup salami, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop the romaine lettuce and place it in a large salad bowl.
- Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, mozzarella balls, and salami to the bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or artichokes.
- This salad pairs well with grilled meats.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: big classic italian salad