Italian Garden Salad

Brimming with vibrant flavors and Mediterranean charm, this Italian Garden Salad is a refreshing and wholesome centerpiece for any meal. Crisp romaine lettuce forms the base of this dish, while juicy cherry tomatoes, cool cucumber slices, and tangy Kalamata olives bring a delightful burst of fresh textures. Enhanced with aromatic basil and salty Parmesan cheese, this salad is dressed in a zesty homemade vinaigrette made from extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a hint of honey for balance. Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe is a perfect side dish or light main course that celebrates the best of Italian-style cuisine. Ideal for quick lunches, elegant dinners, or summer gatherings, this salad is your ticket to effortless Mediterranean indulgence.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 head Romaine lettuce
• 1.5 cups Cherry tomatoes
• 1 medium Cucumber
• 0.5 medium Red onion
• 0.5 cup Kalamata olives
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves
• 0.25 cup Shredded Parmesan cheese
• 0.25 cup Extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Honey
• 1 clove Garlic
• 0.5 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Wash and thoroughly dry the romaine lettuce. Chop it into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl.

Step 2

Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the bowl.

Step 3

Peel the cucumber, if desired, and slice it into thin rounds. Add these to the salad bowl.

Step 4

Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the bowl.

Step 5

Pit the Kalamata olives, if necessary, and add them whole or sliced to the salad.

Step 6

Tear the fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces and toss them into the salad.

Step 7

Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad.

Step 8

To make the dressing, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar. Whisk or shake well until fully emulsified.

Step 9

Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients, toss to coat evenly, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1333.7 grams (1333.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1092

Total Fat 94.70g	121%
Saturated Fat 16.00g	80%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.60g
Cholesterol 20mg	7%
Sodium 3250mg	141%
Total Carbohydrate 54.20g	20%
Dietary Fiber 20.60g	74%
Total Sugars 22.40g
Protein 20.60g	41%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 645mg	50%
Iron 11mg	61%
Potassium 2148mg	46%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 74.0%

Protein: 7.2%

Carbs: 18.8%