Calling all salad lovers! Are you tired of boring, limp lettuce salads? Do you crave a hearty, flavorful dish that satisfies like a main course? Then this Big Yummy Italian Salad is your answer!
This salad isn’t just a side dish, it’s an Italian flavor explosion in a bowl. We’re talking crisp romaine lettuce tossed with savory salami, tangy pepperoncini, and creamy mozzarella cheese. But that’s not all! Toasted garlic breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch, while a simple Italian dressing ties everything together.
Here’s what makes this salad amazing:
Fresh & Flavorful: Packed with crisp lettuce, salty meats, and briny pepperoncini, this salad is a textural and taste bud adventure. Customizable: Make it your own! Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, swap the cheese for another variety, or throw in your favorite veggies. Easy to Prepare: With minimal chopping and simple ingredients, this salad comes together in a flash. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Big Yummy Italian Salad: Preparation Steps
This Big Yummy Italian Salad is all about fresh flavors and textures coming together in a flash. Follow these simple steps to create your Big Yummy Italian Salad masterpiece:
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 head of fresh romaine lettuce, chopped into manageable pieces.
- 1 cup salami, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini (adjust for spice preference)
- 1/4 cup toasted garlic breadcrumbs (recipe below)
For the Italian Dressing (Optional):
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
- Wash and chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice salami into small cubes.
- Halve cherry tomatoes.
- Cube mozzarella cheese.
- Slice pepperoncini to your desired level of spice.
- Prepare toasted garlic breadcrumbs (see recipe below).
2. Make the Dressing (Optional):
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, diced salami, halved cherry tomatoes, cubed mozzarella cheese, sliced pepperoncini, and toasted garlic breadcrumbs.
4. Dress and Serve:
- If using homemade dressing, drizzle it over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Alternatively, use your favorite store-bought Italian dressing.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Big Yummy Italian Salad!
5. Bonus Tip:
- To make toasted garlic breadcrumbs, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Let cool before adding to the salad.