Favorite Italian Salad

Italian salad served on a large white plate.

This Italian Salad is fresh, flavorful, and tossed in a simple vinaigrette. Enjoy it as a side or add protein for an easy light meal.

Course Salad

Cuisine Italian

Diet Vegetarian

Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Servings side servings

Calories 275

Author Kim

Ingredients

For the vinaigrette:

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

For the salad:

1 large chopped head romaine lettuce
1/2 medium thinly sliced red onion
1 1/2 cups halved cherry or grape tomatoes
1/3 cup halved or sliced pitted black olives
1/3 cup sliced or whole pepperoncini peppers
2 cups croutons more or less depending on preference
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving

Instructions

For the vinaigrette:

Add 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to a jar with a lid, like a mason jar. Shake vigorously to combine all ingredients. You can also whisk all ingredients in a small bowl or jar. Use immediately or store for later.

For the salad:

Add 1 large chopped head romaine lettuce, 1/2 medium thinly sliced red onion, 1 1/2 cups halved cherry or grape tomatoes, 1/3 cup halved or sliced pitted black olives, 1/3 cup sliced or whole pepperoncini peppers, 2 cups croutons and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese to a large salad serving bowl. Toss to combine.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Add extra parmesan cheese, if desired. Alternatively, serve the dressing on the side and let everyone dress their own individual portions.

Video

Notes

*Nutritional information includes all of the vinaigrette.

Storing leftovers: Once the salad is tossed with the dressing, it doesn’t store well for long. The dressing will make the lettuce and croutons soggy over time. For best results, store the salad and dressing separately and only dress what you plan to eat. Undressed salad will keep in the fridge for 2–3 days. Dressing will keep in the fridge for about a week.

This salad was originally published November 2019. It was republished on April 2021, November 2021, December 2022, December 2023 and March 2026 with new, helpful content.

Nutrition