Italian Garden Salad
Brimming with vibrant flavors and Mediterranean charm, this Italian Garden Salad is a refreshing and wholesome centerpiece for any meal. Crisp romaine lettuce forms the base of this dish, while juicy cherry tomatoes, cool cucumber slices, and tangy Kalamata olives bring a delightful burst of fresh textures. Enhanced with aromatic basil and salty Parmesan cheese, this salad is dressed in a zesty homemade vinaigrette made from extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a hint of honey for balance. Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe is a perfect side dish or light main course that celebrates the best of Italian-style cuisine. Ideal for quick lunches, elegant dinners, or summer gatherings, this salad is your ticket to effortless Mediterranean indulgence.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 head Romaine lettuce
- 1.5 cups Cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium Cucumber
- 0.5 medium Red onion
- 0.5 cup Kalamata olives
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cup Shredded Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Honey
- 1 clove Garlic
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Wash and thoroughly dry the romaine lettuce. Chop it into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl.
Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the bowl.
Peel the cucumber, if desired, and slice it into thin rounds. Add these to the salad bowl.
Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the bowl.
Pit the Kalamata olives, if necessary, and add them whole or sliced to the salad.
Tear the fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces and toss them into the salad.
Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad.
To make the dressing, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar. Whisk or shake well until fully emulsified.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients, toss to coat evenly, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
267 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 22.9 g | 29% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.0 g | 20% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 5 mg | 2% | |
| Sodium | 841 mg | 37% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 13.8 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.7 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.4 g | ||
| Protein | 5.7 g | 11% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 161 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 580 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
