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Big Classic Italian Salad

This big classic Italian salad combines crunchy lettuce, bold Italian flavors, olives, cheese, and bright dressing for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing side or main dish.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American-Italian, Italian
Calories: 230
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 large head romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cucumber sliced or chopped
  • ½ red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoncini
  • ½ cup black or kalamata olives pitted
  • ½ cup shredded or shaved carrots
  • ½ cup diced salami optional but adds classic flavor
  • ½ cup mozzarella pearls or cubed provolone
  • ⅓ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
For the Homemade Italian Dressing
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon sugar optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large salad bowl
  • Small mixing bowl or jar (for dressing)
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Salad tongs
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Prep the Vegetables
  1. Wash and thoroughly dry the romaine lettuce—it’s key for crispness. Chop or slice all remaining vegetables uniformly so each bite feels balanced.
  2. Thin slices for onions and cucumbers help keep the salad light and easy to eat.
Mix the Homemade Italian Dressing
  1. Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, herbs, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  2. Taste and adjust:
  3. More vinegar for extra tang
  4. More oil for a smoother finish
  5. More mustard for bolder flavor
  6. Shake the dressing in a jar for effortless emulsification.
Assemble the Salad
  1. In a large bowl, combine:
  2. Chopped romaine
  3. Tomatoes
  4. Cucumbers
  5. Red onion
  6. Olives
  7. Pepperoncini
  8. Carrots
  9. Salami
  10. Mozzarella
  11. Gently toss to combine before adding the dressing.
Dress and Serve
  1. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad, toss well, then finish with shaved Parmesan.
  2. Serve immediately for the best texture and freshness.