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Mega Italian Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 128 reviews

Mega Italian Salad is a vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy homemade croutons, kalamata olives, and a zesty red wine vinegar dressing. Topped with freshly grated parmesan, this salad offers a perfect balance of textures and bold Italian flavors, ideal for a light lunch or a refreshing side.

Ingredients

Scale

Croutons

  • 3 slices white sandwich bread (~1.75 cm / 3/4″ thick, crust off, cut into cubes)
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 pinches salt

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 4 tsp freshly grated parmesan
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp dried basil
  • 1/4 tsp chilli flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper

Salad

  • 1 head cos / romaine lettuce (chopped into large or small bite size pieces)
  • 2 large tomatoes (cut into 6 to 8 wedges, then each wedge halved)
  • 1/2 green capsicum/bell pepper (1.5 cm / 2/3″ cubes)
  • 1/2 red onion (finely sliced)
  • 1 cup whole pitted kalamata olives
  • 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan (tightly packed, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Croutons: Preheat the oven to 200°C / 390°F (180°C fan). Toss the bread cubes with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and 2 pinches of salt until evenly coated. Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking tray and bake for 15 minutes, stirring twice during baking to ensure even browning, until they are golden and crisp. Remove from oven and let cool on the tray.
  2. Dressing: In a jar, combine 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 4 teaspoons freshly grated parmesan, 2 teaspoons sugar, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon chilli flakes (if using), 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Shake well to emulsify the dressing.
  3. Assemble Salad: Set aside a small amount of parmesan cheese for garnish. In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled croutons, chopped romaine lettuce, tomato wedges, green capsicum cubes, sliced red onion, and pitted kalamata olives. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss everything thoroughly to distribute the flavors.
  4. Serve: Transfer the tossed salad to a serving bowl. Sprinkle the reserved parmesan cheese on top as garnish. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, crisp textures and bold Italian flavors.

Notes

  • Note 1: Using fresh sandwich bread with the crust removed and cut into cubes ensures optimal crouton texture.
  • Note 2: Red wine vinegar gives the dressing a tangy, authentic Italian flavor; adjust amount to taste.
  • Note 3: Romaine lettuce provides the perfect crispness to balance the other ingredients.
  • Note 4: Kalamata olives add a briny richness that complements the fresh vegetables and dressing.
  • The optional chilli flakes add a mild heat but can be omitted for a milder taste.

Keywords: Italian salad, romaine lettuce salad, healthy salad, homemade croutons, Mediterranean salad, easy salad recipe, vegetarian salad

Find it online: https://familyfavplates.com/mega-italian-salad-recipe/