Oh my goodness, have I got a treat for you today! I can hardly contain my excitement as I share one of my all-time favorite recipes: the Big Classic Italian Salad! It’s fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor—a delightful tribute to Italian cuisine that I whip up whenever I want to impress my family or just enjoy a sunny afternoon. There’s something about the combination of fresh greens with those briny olives and the sharp cheese that screams “a slice of la dolce vita” for me.
I remember the first time I made this salad for a picnic; it disappeared faster than I could say “Buon Appetito!” It’s not just a salad; it’s an experience, a celebration of freshness and color. Perfect for summer barbecues, weekday lunches, or even as a light dinner. So, let’s dive into what makes this salad so special!
What’s in Big Classic Italian Salad?
– Mixed Salad Greens: The base of our salad! I love using a mix of romaine, arugula, and spinach for a lovely texture and flavor blend. The greens are crisp and refreshing!
– Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy halved cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and flavor. They’re like little bursts of sunshine!
– Kalamata Olives: These dark beauties bring a briny and savory note that ties the whole salad together. Make sure they’re pitted and sliced for easy eating.
– Pepperoncini Peppers: A little zing from sliced pepperoncini peppers gives the salad that extra kick! If you’re not a fan of spicy, you can omit or replace them with sweet peppers.
– Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp, slightly sweet crunch. If you’re sensitive to raw onions, a quick soak in water can tone down their intensity.
– Parmesan Cheese: Grated over the top, this nutty cheese is key! For a vegetarian option, make sure to choose a Parmesan that hasn’t been made with animal rennet.
– Fresh Basil: Chopped for that beautiful aroma and fresh flavor—this is what Italian cooking is all about!
– Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This luxurious oil will be the foundation of our dressing. Go for a good quality one; you’ll taste the difference!
– Red Wine Vinegar: Adds the tanginess that balances out the richness of the olive oil.
– Dried Oregano: A must for that herby, Italian essence. If you’ve got fresh oregano, even better!
– Salt and Pepper: To taste. Always a good idea to season to your preference!
Is Big Classic Italian Salad Good for You?
I believe food should be delicious AND nutritious, don’t you? This Big Classic Italian Salad ticks both boxes:
– Mixed Salad Greens: Packed with vitamins and minerals, these greens are low in calories while high in fiber—perfect for digestion!
– Cherry Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which is great for heart health.
– Kalamata Olives: Full of healthy fats, these olives can help support heart health and have anti-inflammatory properties.
– Pepperoncini Peppers: Not only do they add flavor, but they also contain vitamins A and C!
– Parmesan Cheese: Offers protein and calcium, which are essential for strong bones, though it can be higher in sodium, so moderation is key.
Overall, you can feel good about serving (or devouring) this salad, full of color, crunch, and nutrients.
Ingredients
– 6 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., romaine, arugula, spinach)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
– 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
*Serves: Approximately 4-6 people*
How to Make Big Classic Italian Salad?
1. In a large salad bowl, toss together the **mixed salad greens**, **cherry tomatoes**, **Kalamata olives**, **pepperoncini**, and **red onion**. Make sure everything’s evenly distributed—everyone deserves a little bit of everything!
2. In a small bowl, combine the **extra virgin olive oil**, **red wine vinegar**, **dried oregano**, **salt**, and **pepper**. Give it a good whisk until it’s all blended together beautifully.
3. Drizzle that flavorful dressing over the salad and toss gently. Just like how I toss my favorite pasta!
4. Finish by sprinkling the **grated Parmesan cheese** and **chopped basil** on top. Oh, it looks so gorgeous!
5. You can serve it right away for that fresh crunch, or let it chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors mingle together—it gets even better!
Serving Suggestions & Tips for Variation
Want to mix things up? Here are some fun ideas:
– Add **grilled chicken** or **shrimp** for some extra protein if you’re looking for a heartier meal.
– Swap out the **Kalamata olives** for **green olives** if you prefer a different flavor profile.
– Don’t hesitate to throw in some **avocado** for creaminess or some **cucumber** for extra crunch!
– This salad pairs beautifully with Italian bread or as a side dish with your favorite pasta dish.
I genuinely hope you give this Big Classic Italian Salad a try! It’s a winner in my book, and I bet it will be in yours too. Feel free to share your thoughts, or let me know your favorite variations! Happy salad-making!
