Let me tell you, there’s just something magical about a big classic Italian salad! It’s like a burst of freshness in every bite, and I can’t get enough of those vibrant colors and savory flavors. Picture this: crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers all coming together in one bowl. It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own, yet light enough to enjoy as a side dish. Seriously, it’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, having a cozy dinner with friends, or just whipping up something quick for lunch. The best part? You can customize it with your favorite veggies! I love adding a splash of red wine vinegar and a sprinkle of oregano to bring it all together. Trust me, once you toss everything together, you’ll be craving this salad again and again. So grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into making this delicious, colorful masterpiece!
Ingredients for Big Classic Italian Salad
Alright, let’s gather everything we need to create this beautiful big classic Italian salad! Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved for a burst of sweetness
- 1 cucumber, diced for that satisfying crunch
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced to add a little zing
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color you love!) for a pop of color
- 1 cup of black olives, pitted and sliced for a briny kick
- 1/2 cup of feta cheese, crumbled to lend a creamy texture
- 1/4 cup of olive oil for that rich, flavorful dressing
- 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar to brighten it all up
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano for that classic Italian flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste, because we want everything to shine!
Make sure everything is fresh and colorful—it’ll make your salad not only taste amazing but look gorgeous too! Ready to get chopping?
How to Prepare Big Classic Italian Salad
Now, let’s get our hands a little messy and put this big classic Italian salad together! It’s super simple and oh-so-rewarding. Ready? Let’s go!
Step 1: Combine the Vegetables
First things first, take that large bowl you’ve got and toss in the chopped romaine lettuce. Then, add the cherry tomatoes that are all halved, the cucumber diced up, the thinly sliced red onion, the bell pepper in all its diced glory, and the black olives sliced just right. Give it a gentle mix with your hands or a big spoon—this is where the magic starts! I like to see all those colors come together, and the smell is divine!
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar until they’re nicely combined. Then, sprinkle in the dried oregano, and don’t forget to add some salt and pepper to taste! The key here is to really blend it well so every bite of salad is bursting with flavor!
Step 3: Toss the Salad
Now, pour that delicious dressing over the vegetable mix. This is where you want to be gentle—use a big spoon to toss everything together, ensuring every little piece is coated in that zesty goodness. You might want to take a moment and admire your creation; it’s looking good already!
Step 4: Add Feta Cheese
Finally, it’s time to sprinkle that creamy feta cheese on top. You can either mix it in or leave it as a beautiful topping—either way, it adds that perfect salty kick. And there you have it! Serve immediately for the freshest experience, or chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let those flavors mingle even more. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Tips for Success
To make this big classic Italian salad truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skip the chilling step—letting the salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving allows all those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Also, feel free to customize the salad with your favorite veggies! Want some crunch? Toss in some radishes or snap peas. Looking for a little sweetness? Add in some sliced bell peppers or even some diced avocado. The sky’s the limit! And if you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier option. Just remember to keep it colorful and fresh; it makes every bite even more enjoyable!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for this big classic Italian salad. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Cholesterol: 15mg
This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! Enjoy every colorful bite knowing you’re treating your body well.
FAQ Section
Can I Customize the Big Classic Italian Salad?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this big classic Italian salad is how versatile it is. You can add a variety of vegetables to suit your taste! Consider throwing in some diced avocado for creaminess, sliced radishes for extra crunch, or even some artichoke hearts for a fun twist. If you’re looking to add protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some chickpeas can make this salad a hearty meal. The key is to keep it colorful and fresh—so feel free to get creative!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2-3 days. Just keep in mind that the lettuce might get a bit soggy, so it’s best to keep the dressing separate if you know you’ll have leftovers. That way, you can enjoy your salad fresh for a couple of days!
Is This Salad Suitable for Meal Prep?
You bet! This big classic Italian salad is perfect for meal prepping. Just chop all your veggies ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, toss everything together with the dressing, or keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. It’s a great way to have a quick and nutritious lunch or dinner ready to go throughout the week!
Why You’ll Love This Big Classic Italian Salad
- Quick and Easy: It takes just 15 minutes to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Fresh Ingredients: With a medley of colorful vegetables, this salad is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!
- Versatile: You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies, proteins, or even different cheeses to suit your palate.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with nutrients and flavors, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of veggies without sacrificing taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep; it stays fresh for a couple of days, so you can enjoy it any time!
Trust me, once you try this big classic Italian salad, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen! Each bite is a delightful reminder of how simple ingredients can create something truly delicious.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your big classic Italian salad ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to really enhance your meal experience! Here are some of my favorite pairings:
- Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: These add a protein boost and complement the salad beautifully, making it a satisfying main dish.
- Crusty Bread: A loaf of fresh Italian bread or some garlic knots are perfect for sopping up any leftover dressing!
- Pasta Dishes: Serve it alongside a light pasta primavera or even a classic spaghetti with marinara for a delightful Italian feast.
- Cheese Platter: Pair it with a selection of cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or a tangy goat cheese to elevate your appetizer game.
- Grilled Vegetables: Roasted or grilled veggies, like zucchini and eggplant, make for a colorful and tasty side that complements the freshness of the salad.
These suggestions will not only round out your meal but also keep that Italian vibe going strong. Enjoy your feast!
Big Classic Italian Salad: 5 Comforting Steps to Delight
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and hearty big classic Italian salad filled with colorful vegetables and savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, and black olives.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Add the feta cheese on top and serve immediately.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite vegetables.
- Chill the salad for 30 minutes for better flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: big classic italian salad, italian salad, fresh salad, vegetarian salad