Best 5 Simple Italian Salad Recipes

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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.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SIMPLE ITALIAN SALAD



Simple Italian Salad image

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

3 slices Italian bread, cubed
Butter-flavored cooking spray
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 bunches romaine, torn
2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 small red onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings
8 pepperoncini
1/2 cup fat-free Italian salad dressing

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



Simple Italian Pasta Salad image

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

1 (16 ounce) package rotelle pasta
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped tomatoes
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 (6 ounce) can black olives, drained
1 (6 ounce) package pepperoni
1 cup Italian-style salad dressing (such as Olive Garden®), divided

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 BEAN SALAD



Simple Italian Bean Salad image

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

3 spring onions, chopped (aka scallions or green onions)
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 red chile, deseeded and finely chopped
2 (400 g) cans cannellini beans
1 (400 g) can butter beans, drained
6 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped

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 SPINACH SALAD



Simple Italian Spinach Salad image

"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

1 package (6 ounces) fresh baby spinach
1 green onion, thinly sliced
1 hard-boiled large egg, chopped
3 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
3 tablespoons Italian salad dressing
2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

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 TOSSED SALAD



Simple Italian Tossed Salad image

-Mary Elizabeth Costello, Venice, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 cups torn iceberg lettuce
4 cups torn romaine
1 cup water-packed artichoke hearts, rinsed, drained and quartered
1 jar (2 ounces) sliced pimientos, drained
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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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