Nut-Free Classic Italian Salad

Bright, fresh, and bursting with classic Mediterranean flavors, this Nut-Free Classic Italian Salad is a perfect side or light main dish for any occasion. Crafted with crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and tangy red onion, this vibrant salad is elevated by creamy mozzarella balls, briny kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of savory Parmesan cheese. Tossed in a zesty homemade Italian vinaigrette made with extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard, this recipe delivers authentic flavors without any nuts, making it allergy-friendly. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a quick, wholesome, and crowd-pleasing addition to your table. Serve it fresh and watch it disappear!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 cups romaine lettuce
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 large cucumber
• 0.5 medium red onion
• 0.5 cup kalamata olives
• 1 cup mozzarella balls
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.25 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon pepper

Directions

Step 1

Start by washing and drying the romaine lettuce thoroughly. Chop it into bite-sized pieces and place them into a large salad bowl.

Step 2

Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl with the lettuce.

Step 3

Peel the cucumber and slice it into thin rounds, then add these to the salad mixture.

Step 4

Slice the red onion thinly and separate the slices into rings, adding them to the salad.

Step 5

Pit and halve the kalamata olives, then combine them with the other salad ingredients.

Step 6

Add mozzarella balls (or 'bocconcini') into the salad, giving a creamy texture contrast.

Step 7

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the salad for a savory kick.

Step 8

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, creating a classic Italian vinaigrette.

Step 9

Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss everything together gently to combine and evenly coat the ingredients in the dressing.

Step 10

Serve immediately to enjoy at its freshest, with an optional garnish of additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1397.4 grams (1397.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1747

Total Fat 145.50g	187%
Saturated Fat 45.20g	226%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.30g
Cholesterol 165mg	55%
Sodium 3652mg	159%
Total Carbohydrate 51.70g	19%
Dietary Fiber 16.30g	58%
Total Sugars 17.00g
Protein 65.90g	132%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1999mg	154%
Iron 8mg	44%
Potassium 1829mg	39%

*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: 73.6%

Protein: 14.8%

Carbs: 11.6%