Ina Garten’s Zesty Italian Salad Recipe: Summer Bliss in a Bowl

Summers call for fresh, vibrant dishes that burst with Mediterranean flavors, and this Ina Garten Italian salad recipe delivers pure sunshine on a plate.

Bold ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of tastes that transport you straight to the Italian countryside.

Crisp vegetables mingle with zesty herbs and a perfectly balanced dressing that sings with authenticity.

The recipe captures the essence of simple, elegant cooking that makes every bite a celebration.

Fragrant basil and ripe tomatoes form the heart of this delightful salad, promising a light yet satisfying meal.

You’ll love how effortlessly these ingredients come together to create something truly special.

Each forkful promises a delicious escape that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 17 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 6

Inside Ina’s Italian Salad: What You’ll Need

• Mixed Greens: Crisp and vibrant foundation that adds a fresh, peppery backdrop to the salad.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with sweet, juicy flavor and adding a pop of bright red color.
• Red Onion: Provides a sharp, tangy crunch that cuts through the other ingredients.
• Cucumber: Brings a cool, refreshing element and light texture to the dish.
• Black Olives: Delivers a rich, briny taste that enhances the Mediterranean character.
• Pepperoncini: Adds a zesty, mild heat and tangy kick to the salad.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrates intense, sweet-tart tomato flavor with a chewy texture.

• Olive Oil: Smooth, golden base that binds the dressing and adds rich Mediterranean essence.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Introduces a bright, acidic note that balances the other flavors.
• Dijon Mustard: Creates a creamy emulsion and adds a subtle, sharp undertone.
• Garlic: Infuses the dressing with a pungent, aromatic depth.
• Oregano: Brings an authentic Italian herb profile with earthy, slightly bitter notes.
• Salt: Enhances and harmonizes all the ingredients' natural flavors.
• Black Pepper: Provides a gentle, warming heat and complexity.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkles a nutty, salty accent that elevates the entire salad.
• Croutons: Adds satisfying crunch and transforms the salad into a more substantial dish.

Salad Bowls and Utensils That Make This Easy

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and tossing all salad ingredients.
• Small bowl or jar: Perfect for whisking and mixing the salad dressing.
• Whisk: Helps blend dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: For slicing cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and other vegetables.
• Cheese grater: Used to grate fresh Parmesan cheese over the salad.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure dressing ingredients.

How to Toss a Perfect Italian Salad with Ina’s Flair

Vibrant Italian Garden Salad

• Salad Base Fresh, colorful ingredients gathered from an Italian countryside garden, artfully chopped and combined in a spacious mixing bowl. Crisp mixed greens create a stunning foundation with ruby-red cherry tomatoes, sharp red onion slices, cool cucumber chunks, briny black olives, zesty pepperoncini, and rich sun-dried tomatoes dancing together.
• Dressing Magic Silky olive oil whispers with tangy red wine vinegar, bold Dijon mustard, aromatic garlic, and earthy oregano. Each ingredient swirls together, creating a harmonious liquid that transforms simple vegetables into a culinary masterpiece.
• Final Flourish Generously drizzle the vibrant dressing across the salad, gently tossing until every morsel glistens with Mediterranean flavors. Shower the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and crispy croutons, adding delightful texture and depth. Serve immediately to capture the salad's perfect moment of flavor and freshness.

Mix in Olives, Anchovies, or Even Cheese

• Swap mixed greens with arugula or spinach for a peppery twist and added nutrition boost.
• Chop vegetables and store separately from dressing to maintain crispness and prevent soggy greens up to 4 hours before serving.
• Enhance the salad by adding grilled chicken, tuna, or chickpeas for a more substantial meal that packs extra protein and flavor.
• Double the dressing recipe and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week, perfect for quick salad preparations throughout the week.
• Replace black olives with kalamata olives and add crumbled feta cheese for an authentic Greek-inspired variation that elevates the entire dish.

Plate It Up: Italian Vibes Only

• Serve Alongside Grilled Proteins: Pair this vibrant Italian salad with grilled chicken, fish, or steak to create a complete and satisfying meal that balances fresh greens with hearty proteins.
• Elevate Weekend Lunch Spread: Transform your casual weekend lunch into a Mediterranean-inspired feast by presenting this colorful salad as a centerpiece, accompanied by crusty bread and a chilled white wine.
• Create Quick Meal Prep Option: Pack individual portions of the salad in mason jars, keeping the dressing separate until ready to eat, for a convenient and delicious work or picnic lunch that stays crisp and fresh.

Storage Tips for Greens and Dressings

• Quick Refrigerate and Save
• Store salad components separately to maintain freshness and crunch. Separate wet ingredients like dressing from greens to prevent wilting.
• Keep Crisp Greens Fresh
• Wrap washed mixed greens in paper towels inside an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum crispness and flavor retention.
• Dress Smartly Before Serving
• Add dressing just before eating to prevent soggy vegetables. Mix ingredients right before serving to maintain optimal texture and taste.
• Smart Dressing Storage
• Transfer homemade vinaigrette to a sealed glass jar or container. Refrigerate dressing for up to one week, shaking well before each use to re-blend ingredients.

Vibrant Ina Garten Italian Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s Italian salad showcases Mediterranean flavors with crisp greens and tangy dressing. Fresh ingredients create a classic side dish that brings Italian garden charm to your table and delights diners with simple, elegant combinations.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups (0.95 L) mixed greens (romaine, arugula, radicchio)
• ½ cup (75 g) black olives, pitted and sliced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 cup (237 mL) cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup (59 mL) pepperoncini, sliced
• ¼ cup (59 mL) sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
• ¼ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (60 g) croutons
• ¼ cup (59 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp (5 mL) Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Salad Preparation: Combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, black olives, pepperoncini, and sun-dried tomatoes in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
2. Dressing Creation: Whisk extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until the mixture transforms into a smooth, cohesive vinaigrette.
3. Flavor Infusion: Gently pour the dressing over the vegetable medley, carefully folding to coat each ingredient without damaging the delicate greens, allowing the flavors to meld harmoniously.
4. Final Touch: Garnish the salad with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and crisp croutons, creating a delightful textural contrast that elevates the Mediterranean-inspired dish.
5. Serving Recommendation: Present the salad immediately to preserve the vibrant colors, crisp vegetables, and optimal flavor profile.

Notes

• Emulsify with Confidence: Shaking the dressing in a sealed jar ensures a perfect blend of oil and vinegar, preventing separation and creating a smooth, restaurant-quality vinaigrette.
• Slice Strategically: Thinly slice red onions to prevent overwhelming the salad’s delicate flavor profile and ensure even distribution throughout the dish.
• Dress Delicately: Fold the dressing gently to prevent bruising the mixed greens, maintaining their fresh, crisp texture and vibrant appearance.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy the salad right after preparation to preserve the vegetables’ crunch and prevent wilting, ensuring maximum flavor and texture.

• Prep Time: 17 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg