Pasta House Company Special Salad And Dressing
A fresh and flavorful salad featuring crisp lettuce, Parmesan, artichoke hearts, red onions, and pimientos, complemented by tangy Italian dressing—perfect for light lunches or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put Italian dressing on the salad when ready to serve.
- Toss the lettuce, Parmesan cheese, artichoke hearts, sliced red onion, and chopped pimientos together in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil if desired and toss again to combine.
- Serve immediately with additional dressing on the side if needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fresh twist, consider adding avocados or cucumbers for extra creaminess and crunch. If you're short on time, store-bought Italian dressing can be a convenient substitute for the dry mix. You can also use feta cheese instead of Parmesan for a different flavor profile. Ensure to mix the salad just before serving to maintain the crispness of the greens.
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant salad pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Fettuccini With Pepper Sauce or Spaghetti Seafood Delight. For a complete meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or shrimp. You can also add toasted nuts for an extra crunch, or serve it as a refreshing side to your favorite pasta dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to avoid wilting the lettuce. When ready to enjoy again, give it a quick toss, and if it seems dry, add a little more olive oil or dressing to refresh it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta House Company Special Salad And Dressing contains roughly 271 calories, with 8g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1042mg per serving (45% 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 use different types of lettuce for this salad?
Absolutely! While iceberg, leaf, and romaine are traditional choices, you can mix in baby spinach, arugula, or even kale for added flavor and nutrients. Just ensure that whatever greens you choose are fresh and crisp for the best texture.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make the salad more substantial, consider adding protein such as grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tuna. These additions will turn it into a hearty meal. Additionally, incorporating grains like quinoa or farro can increase the overall nutrition and satisfaction of the dish.
Is there a way to make the dressing from scratch?
Yes! You can easily make a homemade Italian dressing by whisking together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. This allows you to customize the flavor profile to your liking and use fresh ingredients for a healthier option.
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).