Looking for a dish that brings the taste of Italy to your table without the fuss? The Massive Classic Italian Salad is your answer! Bursting with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, this salad makes a wholesome meal that satisfies both your appetite and your craving for something delicious.
This delightful salad features a colorful mix of crunchy romaine lettuce, savory salami, and tangy olives, all drizzled with a zesty dressing that ties everything together. Each bite is an explosion of flavors and textures, making it a standout dish. It’s the perfect blend of fresh veggies and hearty proteins, ensuring you don’t just feel full, but also nourished.
Here are a few reasons you’ll be glad you made this salad:
- It’s quick and easy to prepare.
- Packed with colorful, nutritious ingredients.
- A fantastic option for meal prep just toss together and serve!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 20 minutes!
- Made with simple, fresh ingredients.
- Great for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish.
- Easily customizable for picky eaters.
Ingredients for the Massive Classic Italian Salad
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 Tbsp white vinegar (or rice vinegar, or lemon juice)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 14 to 16 ounces romaine leaf lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 1 cup pepperoncinis
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups salami, cut into strips
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 6 ounces grated parmesan cheese (about 1/2 to 1 cup)
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Massive Classic Italian Salad
- Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, dried oregano, black pepper, and sea salt in a small bowl until well combined.
- Chop the romaine lettuce and place it in a large salad bowl.
- Add the kalamata olives, pepperoncinis, cherry tomatoes, salami, and red onion on top of the lettuce.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together gently.
- Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor especially your veggies.
- Bathe your salad in the dressing right before serving to keep it crisp.
- Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to your taste.
Substitutions & Variations of the Massive Classic Italian Salad
To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free: For a vegan option, replace salami with roasted chickpeas or marinated tofu, and skip the parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.
Variations: You can get creative with this salad! Add artichoke hearts for an extra layer of flavor or mix in some fresh basil for that authentic Italian taste.
Storage Instructions of the Massive Classic Italian Salad
Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: This salad does not freeze well due to the fresh ingredients, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Make-Ahead: Pre-chop the veggies and prepare the dressing the night before. Just toss everything together right before mealtime!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of the Massive Classic Italian Salad
Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute your favorite salad ingredients like cucumbers or bell peppers.
How can I make this salad spicier?
Add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes into the dressing!
Is this salad suitable for a potluck?
For sure! Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve to keep the greens crisp.
Final Toughts
This Massive Classic Italian Salad is not just another salad; it’s a vibrant, filling dish that can fit perfectly into a busy mom’s meal plan or a professional’s quick dinner fix. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and the bold flavors that make it so enjoyable. Give it a try, and please share your thoughts or a star rating in the comments below!
Print
Massive Classic Italian Salad
A delightful salad featuring a colorful mix of crunchy romaine lettuce, savory salami, and tangy olives, all drizzled with a zesty dressing that ties everything together.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 Tbsp white vinegar (or rice vinegar, or lemon juice)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 14 to 16 ounces romaine leaf lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 1 cup pepperoncinis
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups salami, cut into strips
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 6 ounces grated parmesan cheese (about 1/2 to 1 cup)
Instructions
- Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, dried oregano, black pepper, and sea salt in a small bowl until well combined.
- Chop the romaine lettuce and place it in a large salad bowl.
- Add the kalamata olives, pepperoncinis, cherry tomatoes, salami, and red onion on top of the lettuce.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together gently.
- Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top and serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor—especially your veggies. Bathe your salad in the dressing right before serving to keep it crisp. Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Paleo