Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant flavors of Italy with our comprehensive guide to creating the perfect Italian vegetable salad. From selecting the freshest ingredients to crafting a harmonious dressing, we'll guide you through every step of the process. Discover the secrets of balancing acidity, sweetness, and savory notes to elevate your salad beyond the ordinary. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this article will equip you with all the knowledge and inspiration you need to create a delicious and authentic Italian vegetable salad that will impress your family and friends.
Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!
ITALIAN TORTELLINI-VEGETABLE SALAD
Dinner ready in 25 minutes! Here's a pasta salad made with two types of tortellini and packed with veggies. Perfect if you love Italian cuisine.
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Side Dish
Time 25m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In large saucepan, cook and drain tortellini as directed on package, adding cauliflower and broccoli during last minute of cooking time. Rinse with cold water to cool; drain well.
- Meanwhile, in large bowl, mix tomatoes, onion, parsley, bell pepper and artichokes.
- Add tortellini, cauliflower and broccoli to salad; stir gently. Add dressing and reserved 1/4 cup artichoke liquid; toss to mix. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until serving time.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 355, Carbohydrate 27 g, Cholesterol 75 mg, Fat 4, Fiber 4 g, Protein 10 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 600 mg, Sugar 8 g
ITALIAN VEGETABLE SALAD WITH CREAMY GARLIC DRESSING
Provided by Kay Chun
Categories Salad Blender Garlic Side Quick & Easy Dinner Asparagus Cauliflower Fennel Anchovy Gourmet Sugar Conscious Kidney Friendly Pescatarian Dairy Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher
Yield Makes 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Trim fennel (reserving fronds) and remove tough outer layer. Thinly slice fennel crosswise and cauliflower lengthwise (1/8 inch). Slice asparagus on a diagonal (1/8 inch). Combine vegetables in a large bowl.
- Purée yolks, garlic, anchovies, mustard, lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper in a blender. With motor running, add oil in a slow stream, blending until dressing is thick and emulsified.
- Toss vegetables with enough dressing to coat. Season with salt. Sprinkle with fennel fronds.
- What to drink:
- Fontaleoni Vernaccia di San Gimignano '07
ITALIAN VEGETABLE SALAD
Even our two small children eat their vegetables when I serve this colorful nutritious combination. To make it a main dish, I'll stir pepperoni slices and cooked cooled pasta into the crunchy, creamy blend. -Debbie Laubach, La Prairie, Minnesota
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 20m
Yield 14 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Combine salad dressings; pour over vegetable mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Stir in cheese just before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 0g saturated fat (0 sugars, Fat 0 fiber).
ITALIAN GRILLED VEGETABLE PASTA SALAD
Fire up the grill, and make use of those fresh vegetables from your garden or a favorite farmers' market to create an easy, one-of-a-kind pasta salad.
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Side Dish
Time 27m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Toss zucchini, tomatoes, onion, mushrooms and dressing in large bowl until well coated.
- Brush grill rack lightly with vegetable oil, or spray with cooking spray. Heat coals or gas grill for direct heat. Place vegetables on grill, using slotted spoon. Grill uncovered 4 to 6 inches from medium heat 4 to 5 minutes, turning once and brushing with remaining dressing in bowl, until crisp-tender. Refrigerate vegetables uncovered in single layer while making pasta.
- Empty Pasta mix into 3-quart saucepan 2/3 full of boiling water. Gently boil uncovered 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Using same bowl with any remaining dressing, stir together Seasoning mix and cold water; set aside. Drain pasta; rinse with cool water. Shake to drain well. Cut grilled vegetables in half if desired; stir vegetables and pasta into seasoning mixture. Serve immediately, or refrigerate.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 120, Carbohydrate 24 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 590 mg
ITALIAN FRESH VEGETABLE SALAD
Garden-fresh veggies are a hit at community potlucks. I carry the dressing in a mason jar to add just before serving. - Jeanette Hildebrand, Stafford, Kansas
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 25m
Yield 24 servings (3/4 cup each).
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the salad ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk the vinaigrette ingredients., Just before serving, pour 3/4 cup vinaigrette over salad; toss to coat. Refrigerate remaining vinaigrette for another use.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 84 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 3mg cholesterol, Sodium 149mg sodium, Carbohydrate 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
ITALIAN TORTELLINI-VEGETABLE SALAD
Found this in the Pillsbury e-zine, putting here for safekeeping! I always use my favorite homemade italian dressing or Good Seasons
Provided by CABarbieQue
Categories Low Cholesterol
Time 25m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, cook and drain tortellini as directed on package, adding cauliflower and broccoli during the last minute of cooking time. Rinse with cold water to cool; drain well.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix tomatoes, onion, parsley and artichokes.
- Add tortellini, cauliflower and broccoli to salad; stir gently. Add dressing and reserved 1/4 cup artichoke liquid; toss to mix. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until serving time.
ITALIAN GRILLED VEGETABLE PASTA SALAD
Fire up the grill, and make use of those fresh vegetables from your garden or a favorite farmers' market to create an easy, one-of-a-kind pasta salad.
Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Side Dish
Time 27m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Toss zucchini, tomatoes, onion, mushrooms and dressing in large bowl until well coated.
- Brush grill rack lightly with vegetable oil, or spray with cooking spray. Heat coals or gas grill for direct heat. Place vegetables on grill, using slotted spoon. Grill uncovered 4 to 6 inches from medium heat 4 to 5 minutes, turning once and brushing with remaining dressing in bowl, until crisp-tender. Refrigerate vegetables uncovered in single layer while making pasta.
- Empty Pasta mix into 3-quart saucepan 2/3 full of boiling water. Gently boil uncovered 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Using same bowl with any remaining dressing, stir together Seasoning mix and cold water; set aside. Drain pasta; rinse with cool water. Shake to drain well. Cut grilled vegetables in half if desired; stir vegetables and pasta into seasoning mixture. Serve immediately, or refrigerate.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 120, Carbohydrate 24 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 590 mg
Tips:
- Use a variety of vegetables to add color and flavor to your salad. Some good options include tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and artichokes.
- Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces so that they are easy to eat.
- For a more flavorful salad, marinate the vegetables in a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, and herbs before assembling the salad.
- To add a bit of protein to your salad, include some grilled or roasted chicken, fish, or shrimp.
- Serve the salad with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Conclusion:
Italian vegetable salad is a refreshing and healthy side dish that can be enjoyed all year round. With its vibrant colors and flavors, it's a great way to add some variety to your meals. So next time you're looking for a simple and delicious salad recipe, give this one a try!
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