Nut-Free Classic Italian Salad
Elevate your salad game with this **Nut-Free Classic Italian Salad**, a vibrant and refreshing dish that's perfect for any occasion. Packed with crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and bold bites of red onion, this salad balances textures and flavors effortlessly. Creamy mozzarella balls, briny kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese add a touch of indulgence, while a zesty homemade Italian vinaigrette ties it all together. Ready in just 20 minutes, this nut-free recipe is an ideal choice for those with food allergies, making it a versatile addition to your weekly meal rotation. Whether served as a light lunch, a side dish, or the star of a festive gathering, this salad brings classic Italian flavors to your table, no nuts required!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 cups romaine lettuce
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 large cucumber
- 0.5 medium red onion
- 0.5 cup kalamata olives
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
Start by washing and drying the romaine lettuce thoroughly. Chop it into bite-sized pieces and place them into a large salad bowl.
Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl with the lettuce.
Peel the cucumber and slice it into thin rounds, then add these to the salad mixture.
Slice the red onion thinly and separate the slices into rings, adding them to the salad.
Pit and halve the kalamata olives, then combine them with the other salad ingredients.
Add mozzarella balls (or 'bocconcini') into the salad, giving a creamy texture contrast.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the salad for a savory kick.
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, creating a classic Italian vinaigrette.
Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss everything together gently to combine and evenly coat the ingredients in the dressing.
Serve immediately to enjoy at its freshest, with an optional garnish of additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1747 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 145.5 g | 187% | |
| Saturated Fat | 45.2 g | 226% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 165 mg | 55% | |
| Sodium | 3652 mg | 159% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 51.7 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.3 g | 58% | |
| Total Sugars | 17.0 g | ||
| Protein | 65.9 g | 132% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1998 mg | 154% | |
| Iron | 8.0 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 1829 mg | 39% | |
*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.
