Mega Italian Salad Recipe
Mega Italian Salad is a vibrant and hearty salad featuring crispy homemade croutons, fresh romaine lettuce, ripe tomatoes, crunchy bell peppers, Kalamata olives, and a tangy parmesan-infused dressing. This salad blends Mediterranean flavors with a perfect balance of textures and is ideal for a refreshing lunch or a light dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Croutons
- 3 slices white sandwich bread (approximately 1.75 cm / 3/4″ thick, crust removed, cut into cubes)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 pinches salt
Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 4 tsp freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp sugar (any type)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (red pepper flakes), optional
- 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Salad
- 1 head cos/romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-size pieces
- 2 large tomatoes, cut into 6 to 8 wedges, then each wedge halved
- 1/2 green capsicum/bell pepper, cut into 1.5 cm / 2/3″ cubes
- 1/2 red onion, finely sliced
- 1 cup whole pitted Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese (tightly packed)
Instructions
- Make Croutons: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) or 180°C (356°F) if using a fan-forced oven. Toss the bread cubes with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and two pinches of salt until evenly coated. Spread the bread cubes on a baking tray in a single layer. Bake for 15 minutes, stirring twice during the process to ensure all sides are golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and allow the croutons to cool on the tray.
- Prepare Dressing: In a jar or bowl, combine 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 4 teaspoons freshly grated parmesan, 2 teaspoons sugar, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional), 1/2 teaspoon kosher or cooking salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Shake or whisk well until thoroughly mixed.
- Assemble Salad: Reserve some parmesan cheese for garnish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled croutons, chopped romaine lettuce, tomato wedges, cubed green bell pepper, finely sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, and grated parmesan cheese. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss delicately but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Serve: Transfer the tossed salad into a serving bowl. Sprinkle the reserved parmesan cheese over the top for garnish. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness and crunch of the salad.
Notes
- For the best texture, use fresh bread for making croutons and remove the crusts before cubing.
- If preferred, the chili flakes in the dressing can be omitted or adjusted to taste.
- Chopping lettuce into your preferred bite size ensures easier eating and better dressing coverage.
- Kalamata olives add a distinct briny flavor; ensure they are pitted for easy eating.
Keywords: Italian salad, parmesan salad, crispy croutons, romaine lettuce, Mediterranean salad, healthy salad, homemade dressing
Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/mega-italian-salad-recipe/
