Best 3 Garden Salad With Italian Dressing Recipes

Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our meticulously curated Garden Salad with Italian Dressing recipe. This classic dish, elevated with a zesty homemade dressing, offers a delightful balance of crisp textures and vibrant colors.

Savor the delightful crunch of crisp lettuce, the refreshing bite of juicy tomatoes, and the earthy sweetness of bell peppers, cucumbers, and carrots. The tangy, aromatic dressing, made from a harmonious blend of olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices, enhances every element of this refreshing salad.

As you explore the article, you'll find a detailed step-by-step guide to crafting the perfect Garden Salad with Italian Dressing. We've also included variations to suit your preferences, such as a creamy Italian dressing option for a richer flavor profile or a simple vinaigrette for a lighter touch.

To complete your culinary journey, we've also included a delectable recipe for homemade croutons, adding a delightful crunch and savory flavor to your salad. Discover the art of transforming stale bread into golden-brown, crispy croutons that will elevate your salad experience.

Join us on this culinary adventure as we create a Garden Salad with Italian Dressing that will captivate your taste buds and become a staple in your recipe collection.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

BIG ITALIAN SALAD

Big Italian Salad image

This Italian salad pairs nicely with Italian comfort food. You'll love the homemade dressing!

Provided by Jennifer Segal

Categories Salads

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1 cup loosely packed fresh Italian parsley leaves
1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
2 cloves garlic, peeled
¼ cup red wine vinegar, best quality such as Pompeian Gourmet
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil, best quality such as Lucini or Colavita
Heaping ¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1½ teaspoons honey
1 large head romaine lettuce (or 3 hearts), washed, dried and cut into large, bite-sized pieces
1 large red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup seeded and chopped hothouse cucumbers
1 to 2 carrots, peeled into ribbons
Handful grape tomatoes, halved
Handful pitted olives
Ricotta Salata (see note) or Feta, crumbled to taste

Steps:

Make the dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients in a food processor and blitz to blend.
Place all of the salad ingredients except for the cheese in a large bowl. Right before serving, add about half of the dressing and toss well. Add more dressing little by little as necessary; be sure to dress greens very generously, otherwise salad will be bland. Toss in the cheese, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary.
Note: Ricotta salata is an Italian sheep's milk cheese that has a salty, slightly tangy flavor, almost like a dry Italian feta. It is not the same as the wet ricotta in the tub. You can find it at Whole Foods, gourmet grocers or specialty cheese shops.
Note: Nutritional information was calculated assuming ½ cup of ricotta salata and all of the dressing was used.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 338, Fat 31 g, Carbohydrate 12 g, Protein 5 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Sugar 6 g, Fiber 5 g, Sodium 393 mg, Cholesterol 11 mg

GARDEN SALAD WITH ITALIAN DRESSING

Garden Salad With Italian Dressing image

A basic garden salad- you can vary the quantities used as desired. Serve the salad in one large bowl or as a side to a meal. Serve the dressing seperately and everyone can add their own. The dressing makes 1 1/2 cups.

Provided by Jubes

Categories Salad Dressings

Time 15m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

6 large iceberg lettuce leaves
2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
1 onion, cut in rings
1 red bell peppers (capsicum) or 1 green bell pepper, cut in slices (capsicum)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or 3 tomatoes, cut in wedges
1 cucumber, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon white sugar
1/2 cup light olive oil (use a good quality oil)
1/2 small white onion, very finely chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped finely (capsicum)
1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped

Steps:

Toss salad ingredients to combine.
For the dressing- Place ingredients in a screw top jar and shake well- Makes 1 1/2 cups.
Serve the salad in one large bowl or as a side to a meal.
Add desired amount of dressing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 408.8, Fat 28.5, SaturatedFat 4, Sodium 106.3, Carbohydrate 36.7, Fiber 12.6, Sugar 23.1, Protein 9.2

OLIVE GARDEN SALAD AND DRESSING COPYCAT RECIPE

Olive Garden Salad and Dressing Copycat Recipe image

Make your favorite Olive Garden salad with its addicting, delicious dressing at home! Combine simple salad ingredients with a zesty, slightly sweet, slightly tangy Italian dressing for the most perfect copycat recipe ever!

Provided by Tiffany

Categories Salad

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

6 cups chopped lettuce
2 roma tomatoes (sliced)
½ red onion (thinly sliced)
¼ cup shredded carrots
½ cup whole black olives
⅓ cup shaved or freshly grated parmesan (more to taste)
1 cup garlic croutons
pepperocinis
1 .7 ounce Zesty Italian Dressing Mix
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
⅓ cup white vinegar
¼ cup water
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 tablespoon mayo
½ teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon herbs de Provence (optional)
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
cracked black pepper (to taste)

Steps:

In a large bowl toss together lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, onions, and olives.
Top with parmesan, croutons, and pepperocinis.
Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar, shake vigorously.
Toss with dressing just before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 78 kcal, Carbohydrate 8 g, Protein 4 g, Fat 4 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Sodium 303 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 2 g, UnsaturatedFat 3 g, ServingSize 1 serving

Tips:

For the freshest salad, use crisp, brightly colored vegetables.
Wash vegetables thoroughly before using.
Dry vegetables well to prevent dilution of the dressing.
Use a light hand when tossing the salad to avoid bruising the vegetables.
Serve the salad immediately after dressing to prevent wilting.
If you're making the salad ahead of time, dress it just before serving.

Conclusion:

A garden salad with Italian dressing is a classic and refreshing dish that's perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and versatile dressing, it's a side dish that can be easily customized to your liking. So next time you're looking for a light and healthy meal, give this salad a try.

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