Big Classic Italian Salad is a vibrant and hearty dish that combines fresh vegetables, Italian meats, and a zesty dressing for an easy homemade meal. The mix of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and savory salami offers a wonderful texture that is both crunchy and satisfying. This recipe is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Pair it with my Savory BLT Chicken Salad for a delicious meal idea that keeps dinner exciting and nutritious.
Why You'll Love Big Classic Italian Salad Recipe – Easy Homemade Italian Salad for Busy Weeknights
Discover this easy Big Classic Italian Salad recipe packed with fresh veggies, salami, and bold flavors. Perfect for family dinners or quick meal prep.
- Loaded with fresh, crisp vegetables and classic Italian flavors.
- Easy to make with simple pantry staples and minimal cooking required.
- Perfect for meal prep or a satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Customizable with optional toppings to suit your taste.
Ingredients for Big Classic Italian Salad Recipe – Easy Homemade Italian Salad for Busy Weeknights
Romaine lettuce: Choose fresh, crisp leaves. Substitute with iceberg or mixed greens if preferred.Salami: Use Genoa salami for authenticity or substitute with pepperoni or cooked Italian sausage for variation.
- Romaine lettuce: Choose fresh, crisp leaves. Substitute with iceberg or mixed greens if preferred.
- Salami: Use Genoa salami for authenticity or substitute with pepperoni or cooked Italian sausage for variation.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Big Classic Italian Salad Recipe – Easy Homemade Italian Salad for Busy Weeknights are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Big Classic Italian Salad Recipe – Easy Homemade Italian Salad for Busy Weeknights
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Prepare the vegetables: Rinse and chop romaine lettuce into bite-size pieces. Halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, and thinly slice red onion and pepperoncini peppers.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, pepperoncini, black olives, salami, and mozzarella.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Expert Tips for Big Classic Italian Salad Recipe – Easy Homemade Italian Salad for Busy Weeknights
- Use fresh, crisp romaine for maximum crunch and flavor.
- Make the dressing ahead and store in the fridge for easy assembly later.
- Add the dressing just before serving to keep salad crisp and fresh.
Big Classic Italian Salad Recipe – Easy Homemade Italian Salad for Busy Weeknights
Discover this easy Big Classic Italian Salad recipe packed with fresh veggies, salami, and bold flavors. Perfect for family dinners or quick meal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
- 1 cup cooked salami or Genoa salami, chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella balls or diced mozzarella
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Optional Toppings
- Fresh basil leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Croutons or toasted Italian bread cubes
Instructions
How to Make Big Classic Italian Salad
- Prepare the vegetables: Rinse and chop romaine lettuce into bite-size pieces. Halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, and thinly slice red onion and pepperoncini peppers.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, pepperoncini, black olives, salami, and mozzarella.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Toss salad with dressing: Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are coated evenly. Add optional fresh basil or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Big Classic Italian Salad Recipe – Easy Homemade Italian Salad for Busy Weeknights FAQs
Yes, prep all ingredients and keep salad and dressing separate. Toss together just before serving to maintain freshness.
You can substitute with pepperoni, cooked chicken, or Italian sausage based on your preference.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If possible, keep dressing separate to avoid sogginess.
This usually happens when the salad sits with dressing too long. Always add dressing just before serving to keep ingredients crisp.
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Before You Go
If you try this Big Classic Italian Salad Recipe – Easy Homemade Italian Salad for Busy Weeknights, I'd love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.