Ina Garten’s Italian Salad is made of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, black olives, pepperoncini, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and croutons it serves 6 and takes about 20 minutes to prepare. It’s a fresh, vibrant side dish.
Try More Ina Garten Recipes:
? Why You’ll Love This Italian Salad Recipe:
- Fresh and Vibrant: The combination of fresh greens, ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and zesty onions makes for a colorful and appetizing dish.
- Quick and Easy: The recipe takes only about 20 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and dressed with olive oil, this salad is a nutritious choice that’s full of vitamins and healthy fats.
- Gluten-Free Option: By simply omitting the croutons or using gluten-free croutons, this salad can easily be made gluten-free.
- Crispy and Crunchy:The addition of croutons provides a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the tender greens.
❓ What Is Ina Garten Italian Salad Recipe?
Ina Garten’s Italian Salad is made of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, black olives, pepperoncini, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and croutons.
? Ina Garten Italian Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as romaine, arugula, and radicchio)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini, sliced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup croutons
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
?How To Make Ina Garten Italian Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, black olives, pepperoncini, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- n a small bowl or a jar with a lid, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and croutons over the top of the salad. Serve immediately as a side dish or a light main course.
? Recipe Tips:
- Customize the Greens: Mix and match different types of greens like spinach, kale, or iceberg lettuce based on your preference.
- Cheese Variations:Try using different cheeses like mozzarella balls (bocconcini), feta, or pecorino romano for a variation in taste.
- Add Protein: For a more filling salad, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sliced salami.
- Crunchy Elements: Add nuts or seeds like toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for extra crunch.
- Dress Lightly: Start with a smaller amount of dressing and add more as needed to avoid overdressing the salad.
? What To Serve With Italian Salad?
Serve Italian Salad with pasta dishes like Midnight Pasta or Vegetable Lasagna, grilled meats such as Indonesian Chicken or Marinated Flank Steak, seafood like Roasted Shrimp With Feta or Salmon Lentils, or alongside Guinness Brown Bread and Zucchini Bread.
? How To Store Leftovers Italian Salad?
- In the Fridge: Store leftovers italian salad in an airtight container without the dressing to keep it fresh for up to 3 days.
- In the Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for Italian Salad as the fresh vegetables will become mushy.
FAQ’S
Can I use different greens for Italian Salad?
Yes, you can use any combination of greens such as romaine, arugula, spinach, or mixed baby greens each type adds its own unique flavor and texture to the salad.
What type of cheese is best for Italian Salad?
Grated Parmesan cheese is commonly used, but you can also use mozzarella balls (bocconcini), feta, or pecorino romano each cheese offers a different flavor profile that can enhance the salad.
Is Italian Salad healthy?
Yes, Italian Salad is generally healthy as it’s packed with fresh vegetables, which are high in vitamins and fiber using a vinaigrette made with olive oil adds healthy fats, making it a nutritious option.
Can I make an Italian Salad vegan?
Yes, to make the salad vegan, simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative ensure the dressing does not contain any animal products.
How can I make my Italian Salad more flavorful?
Enhance the flavor by using fresh, high-quality ingredients add a variety of vegetables, use a well-balanced homemade dressing, and consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra zest.
Try More Ina Garten Recipes:
Ina Garten Italian Salad Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Vitamin C: 25%
- Calcium: 10%
- Iron: 8%
Ina Garten Italian Salad
Description
Ina Garten’s Italian Salad is made of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, black olives, pepperoncini, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and croutons it serves 6 and takes about 20 minutes to prepare it’s a fresh, vibrant side dish.
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, black olives, pepperoncini, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- n a small bowl or a jar with a lid, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and croutons over the top of the salad. Serve immediately as a side dish or a light main course.
Notes
- Customize the Greens: Mix and match different types of greens like spinach, kale, or iceberg lettuce based on your preference.
- Cheese Variations:Try using different cheeses like mozzarella balls (bocconcini), feta, or pecorino romano for a variation in taste.
- Add Protein: For a more filling salad, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sliced salami.
- Crunchy Elements: Add nuts or seeds like toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for extra crunch.
- Dress Lightly: Start with a smaller amount of dressing and add more as needed to avoid overdressing the salad.