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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Final Touch: Garnish the salad with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and crisp croutons, creating a delightful textural contrast that elevates the Mediterranean-inspired dish.
- 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