In the realm of culinary delights, few things are as versatile and universally adored as a classic Italian salad. Whether served as a light starter, a refreshing side dish, or even as a standalone meal, a well-crafted Italian salad has the power to transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany or the bustling streets of Rome. With its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and simplicity, this culinary gem has captured the hearts and palates of food enthusiasts worldwide. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore the secrets of creating the perfect Italian salad, delving into the nuances of selecting the freshest ingredients, masterful combinations, and effortless preparation techniques that will elevate your next meal into an unforgettable Italian feast.
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SIMPLE ITALIAN SALAD
Homemade croutons star in this easy Italian salad recipe, filled with grape tomatoes, olives and pepperoncinis. I like to serve it with fresh Italian or focaccia bread. —Nancy Granaman, Burlington, Iowa
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 30m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 450°. For croutons, spritz bread cubes with butter-flavored spray; place in a bowl. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder; toss to coat evenly. , Transfer to a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake until golden brown, 8-10 minutes, stirring once or twice. Cool. , Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine romaine, tomatoes, olives, Parmesan cheese, onion and pepperoncini. Drizzle with salad dressing; toss to coat. Top with croutons.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 120 calories, Fat 3g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 3mg cholesterol, Sodium 943mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 6g protein.
SIMPLE ITALIAN PASTA SALAD
Perfect for barbecues or any get together. Customize with your favorite vegetables and cheeses. Serve chilled or at room temperature. You can use any assortment of diced vegetables. You can substitute mozzarella cheese for the Parmesan cheese.
Provided by cdastolip9
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Italian Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 8h35m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook rotelle in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain.
- Stir rotelle, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, olives, and pepperoni together in a large bowl. Pour 1/2 of the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate, 8 hours to overnight. Pour remaining dressing over the salad and stir.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 308.4 calories, Carbohydrate 32.5 g, Cholesterol 19.3 mg, Fat 15.7 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 10.7 g, SaturatedFat 4.2 g, Sodium 771.3 mg, Sugar 4 g
SIMPLE ITALIAN SPINACH SALAD
"While the fish is marinating, I toss together a big bowl of Italian Spinach Salad," Judy relates. "Prepared Italian dressing makes this twist on traditional wilted spinach salad simple ti fix. I usually have a hard-cooked egg ready in the refrigerator, and the dressing just takes seconds to heat."
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 10m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In a large salad bowl, toss spinach, onion, egg and bacon. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat salad dressing on high for 30-45 seconds or until warm. Pour over the salad and toss to coat. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 108 calories, Fat 9g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 59mg cholesterol, Sodium 357mg sodium, Carbohydrate 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.
SIMPLE ITALIAN BEAN SALAD
Make and share this Simple Italian Bean Salad recipe from Food.com.
Provided by CulinaryQueen
Categories Beans
Time 10m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the spring onions, garlic and chili.
- Add the three cans of beans and mix thoroughly.
- Whisk together the olive oil and white wine vinegar and season.
- Drizzle over the bean salad and stir in with the parsley.
- Serve straight away or refrigerate until ready.
SIMPLE ITALIAN TOSSED SALAD
-Mary Elizabeth Costello, Venice, Florida
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 15m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the lettuce, romaine, artichokes, pimientos and onion. Cover and refrigerate until serving. , In a small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Just before serving, whisk dressing. Pour over salad; toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with cheese; toss again.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 157 calories, Fat 14g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 371mg sodium, Carbohydrate 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make all the difference in the flavor of your salad.
- Wash your produce thoroughly. This will help to remove any dirt or bacteria.
- Dry your produce thoroughly. This will help to prevent your salad from getting watery.
- Use a variety of colors and textures in your salad. This will make it more visually appealing and interesting to eat.
- Don't overdress your salad. Too much dressing can overwhelm the other flavors in the salad.
- Serve your salad immediately. This will help to prevent the greens from wilting.
Conclusion:
Simple Italian salad is a delicious and healthy dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables, and it can also be a light and refreshing meal on a hot summer day. With so many different variations to choose from, there is sure to be a simple Italian salad that everyone will enjoy. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give simple Italian salad a try. You won't be disappointed!
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