Italian Romaine Salad
A vibrant Italian-inspired romaine salad featuring olives, onions, mozzarella, anchovies, and fresh tomatoes, perfect for light lunches or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 lb. romaine lettuce, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup sliced ripe olives ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced green olives
- 1/2 cup slivered white onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup slivered red onion ⓘ
- 2 oz. shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. thin anchovy strips, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup bottled Italian dressing mix ⓘ
- 3 medium tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch wedges
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, sliced ripe olives, sliced green olives, slivered white onion, slivered red onion, shredded mozzarella cheese, and rinsed and drained anchovy strips.
- Toss the ingredients lightly to mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Right before serving, pour the bottled Italian dressing over the salad and toss lightly to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle with Italian dressing mix and garnish with the cut tomato wedges.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider replacing the anchovies with canned tuna for a milder flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the anchovies entirely and add extra olives or artichokes. For a crunchy texture, add some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds. Feel free to customize the cheese; feta or goat cheese could also work well in this Italian-inspired salad.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian Romaine Salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or seafood, making it a great side for dishes like Baked Italian Haddock or Shrimp And Linguine. For a complete meal, serve it alongside crusty bread or garlic breadsticks. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing may cause the lettuce to wilt, so it's best to keep it separate until ready to serve. If you need to reheat any components, such as leftover grilled chicken, do so gently in the microwave to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Romaine Salad contains roughly 164 calories, with 4g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 877mg per serving (38% 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 ahead of time. Combine the vegetables and cheese, but hold off on adding the dressing and tomatoes until just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
What can I substitute for the olives?
If you're not a fan of olives, you can substitute them with diced pickles for a similar briny flavor. Alternatively, capers can add a nice saltiness, or you could simply increase the amount of onion or cheese for added flavor.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. However, always check the label of your bottled Italian dressing to ensure it is also gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
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).