Italian Sunset Salad
A vibrant Italian Sunset Salad featuring fresh vegetables, cheese, nuts, and basil, drizzled with tangy vinaigrette—perfect for light lunches or summer dinners with bright flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Halve the cucumber lengthwise.
- Scrape out the seeds with a spoon, then slice the cucumber into half moons.
- In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, sliced tomatoes, sliced green onions, cheese chunks, chopped basil, chopped walnuts, and pepper.
- Toss to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Spoon the salad onto 4 serving plates.
- Drizzle bottled prepared vinaigrette on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a refreshing twist, consider substituting the Jarlsberg cheese with feta or goat cheese for a tangy flavor. If you prefer a crunchier texture, try adding some sliced bell peppers or radishes. Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can replace basil if needed. Always taste and adjust the pepper to your liking, and remember that the vinaigrette can enhance the salad's overall flavor, so choose one you enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian Sunset Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light meal. Serve it alongside crusty bread or as a side dish to complement hearty pasta dishes like Baked Manicotti (Pizza Style). For a complete vegetarian meal, enjoy it with a bowl of soup or a slice of Italian bread topped with Olive Tapenade.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad's flavors will meld together over time, making it even tastier. However, avoid adding the vinaigrette until ready to serve to keep the salad crisp. To refresh the salad before serving, consider adding a splash of fresh vinaigrette or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Sunset Salad contains roughly 243 calories, with 7g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep as it contains fresh ingredients that can be kept for a couple of days. Just keep the vinaigrette separate until you're ready to eat. This will help maintain the crispness of the cucumbers and greens, ensuring a delightful crunch in every bite.
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).