Best Ever Italian Salad
A vibrant Italian-inspired salad featuring fresh vegetables, olives, and cheese, tossed in a tangy vinaigrette—perfect for light, flavorful gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 large tomatoes, sliced ⓘ
- 1 can black olives (pitted) ⓘ
- 1/2 jar green olives (stuffed) ⓘ
- 1 yellow pepper, sliced ⓘ
- 1 head romaine lettuce, pulled apart ⓘ
- 1 small head broccoli flowerets ⓘ
- 1/4 lb green beans, cooked ⓘ
- 5 Tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped ⓘ
- 5 eggs, hard-boiled and sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice ⓘ
Instructions
- Place tomatoes, black olives, green olives, yellow pepper, lettuce, broccoli, and green beans in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk together Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and wine vinegar.
- Gradually add olive oil to the mixture, whisking constantly until emulsified.
- Add chopped parsley and basil; mix well.
- Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Add sliced hard-boiled eggs on top.
- Toss all ingredients together gently before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try adding sliced artichokes or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor. If you prefer a creamier dressing, substitute the wine vinegar with balsamic vinegar or add a dollop of Greek yogurt. Fresh herbs can be swapped based on availability; consider using oregano or thyme in place of basil. For a heartier salad, include chickpeas or grilled chicken.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs beautifully with Italian Hotdish(From The Kitchen Of 'Sewing With Nancy') for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside crusty bread or grilled meats for a hearty dinner. For a lighter lunch, enjoy it on its own or with a side of soup. It also makes a great potluck dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the salad fresh, add the hard-boiled eggs just before serving. If the dressing has separated, whisk it again before tossing with the salad. Avoid reheating, as it is best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Ever Italian Salad contains roughly 209 calories, with 10g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (101% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 639mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients a few hours in advance. However, it's best to keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain freshness. If you make the dressing ahead, give it a good whisk before dressing the salad.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can provide a similar cheesy flavor. Alternatively, use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste, or omit the cheese altogether for a vegan version while still enjoying delicious flavors.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make this salad more filling, consider adding protein sources such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. Quinoa or farro can also be great additions for a grain boost, making it a hearty meal suitable for lunch or dinner.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).