Best 2 Big Italian Salad Recipes

Are you craving a fresh, vibrant, and flavorful salad that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Italy? Look no further than the Big Italian Salad, a symphony of crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, tangy olives, savory cheese, and a delectable homemade Italian dressing. This iconic salad is a cornerstone of Italian cuisine, enjoyed in homes and restaurants across the country. Its simplicity allows the natural flavors of each ingredient to shine through, creating a harmonious blend that is both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, a family gathering, or simply seeking a healthy and delicious lunch option, the Big Italian Salad is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Indulge in the authentic taste of Italy with this culinary gem and experience the perfect balance of flavors in every bite.

Let's cook with our recipes!

BIG ITALIAN SALAD WITH COLD CUTS

Big Italian Salad with Cold Cuts image

Provided by Jet Tila

Categories main-dish

Time 20m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

2 cloves garlic (10 grams), grated
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) mayonnaise
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons (90 milliliters) red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) dried oregano
3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons (150 milliliters) extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 romaine hearts, cored and chopped
1/2 small head radicchio--halved, cored and coarsely chopped
1/2 head iceberg lettuce, coarsely chopped
2 celery ribs, thinly sliced on a mandoline or with a sharp knife
1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced on a mandoline or with a sharp knife
1 pint cherry tomatoes
1 cup pitted green olives
One 4-ounce wedge Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Fleur de sel, for sprinkling
6 ounces thickly sliced salami, cut into 1/4-inch strips

Steps:

Make the dressing: Whisk together all of the ingredients in a medium bowl and set aside.
Make the salad mix: Spin dry all the lettuces, celery, parsley, and onion in a salad spinner. Wrap in paper towels to dry thoroughly and refrigerate.
Meanwhile, halve the cherry tomatoes and olives and transfer to a very large bowl. Shave the cheese with a vegetable peeler to yield 1 cup. Reserve some of the shaved cheese for garnish and add the remaining cheese to the bowl.
Remove the vegetables from the paper towels and add to the bowl. Season with fleur de sel. Add the dressing and toss to coat. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary. Scatter the salami and reserved cheese over the top and serve immediately. Alternatively, prepare the salad mix and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Toss each serving with some of the dressing, as needed.

BIG ITALIAN SALAD RECIPE

Big Italian Salad Recipe image

Provided by á-3145

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1 garlic clove, smashed
Salt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly ground pepper
1 large romaine heart, chopped
1 small head of radicchio-halved, cored and coarsely chopped
1/4 head of iceberg lettuce, coarsely chopped
1 tender celery rib, thinly sliced
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup pitted green olives, preferably Sicilian
8 peperoncini
2 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, shaved (1 cup)

Steps:

In a large bowl, mash the garlic to a paste with a generous pinch of salt. Whisk in the mayonnaise, vinegar and oregano, then whisk in the olive oil. Season with pepper. Add all of the remaining ingredients and toss well. Serve right away.

Tips:

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your salad.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients. There are many different types of vegetables, cheeses, and meats that you can add to a big Italian salad.
Make sure to dress your salad with a flavorful dressing. A simple vinaigrette or oil and vinegar dressing is a good option.
Let your salad rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve your salad with a variety of breads or crackers. This will help to round out the meal.

Conclusion:

A big Italian salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is packed with fresh vegetables, flavorful cheeses, and hearty meats. With a little bit of creativity, you can create a salad that is sure to please everyone at your table. So next time you are looking for a healthy and satisfying meal, give a big Italian salad a try.