Description
This Big Yummy Italian Salad is a hearty and delicious Italian-inspired dish packed with fresh romaine and iceberg lettuce, vibrant vegetables, tangy olives and pepperoncini, and a generous mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Salami and pepperoni add savory depth, while crisp croutons provide delightful texture. Tossed in a homemade zesty Italian dressing made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and aromatic herbs, this salad is perfect as a satisfying lunch or a substantial side for any Italian meal. Quick to prepare, no cooking required, and bursting with fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 2 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini, sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons
- 1/2 cup salami, sliced into strips
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices, halved
Italian Dressing
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and sugar until the ingredients are well combined and slightly emulsified to create a smooth and flavorful dressing.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large serving bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, pepperoncini, shredded mozzarella, shaved Parmesan, croutons, salami strips, and pepperoni slices, mixing gently to distribute all the ingredients evenly.
- Toss and Serve: Pour the homemade Italian dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss thoroughly to coat all salad components evenly with the dressing, ensuring balanced flavors in every bite. Serve immediately to enjoy the salad while it is crisp and fresh.
Notes
- For a lighter version, omit the salami and pepperoni and substitute grilled chicken instead.
- Chill the salad bowl beforehand to keep the salad ingredients extra crisp longer.
- You can prepare the dressing up to 3 days in advance and store it refrigerated; shake or whisk before using.
