Best 7 Quick Italian Salad Recipes

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**Embark on a Culinary Journey to Italy: A Symphony of Salads for Every Occasion**

From the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany to the bustling streets of Rome, Italian cuisine has captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts worldwide. Among its many culinary treasures, Italian salads stand out as a testament to the country's vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. This article presents a delectable collection of Italian salad recipes, each offering a unique taste experience that will transport you to the heart of Italy. From the classic Insalata Caprese to the refreshing Panzanella, these salads are not only visually stunning but also burst with authentic Italian flavors. Whether you're looking for a light and healthy lunch option, a vibrant side dish, or a flavorful appetizer, this article has something for every palate and occasion. So, prepare to embark on a culinary adventure as we explore the diverse world of Italian salads, celebrating the beauty and simplicity of fresh, high-quality ingredients.

**Recipes Featured:**

1. **Insalata Caprese:** Experience the iconic simplicity of this classic Italian salad, featuring ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and aromatic basil leaves, drizzled with olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt.

2. **Panzanella:** Dive into the flavors of summer with this refreshing Tuscan salad, combining colorful tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and crusty bread cubes, tossed in a tangy vinaigrette dressing.

3. **Farro Salad:** Discover the nutty flavor of farro in this hearty and nutritious salad, accompanied by roasted vegetables, feta cheese, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing.

4. **Italian Chopped Salad:** Enjoy a vibrant and crunchy salad filled with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, salami, provolone cheese, and a tangy Italian dressing.

5. **Arugula Salad with Roasted Beets:** Delight in the earthy flavors of roasted beets paired with peppery arugula, crumbled goat cheese, walnuts, and a balsamic vinaigrette.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

QUICK ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



Quick Italian Pasta Salad image

A quick and flavorful pasta salad with salami and bell peppers.

Provided by Trish

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Rotini Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (12 ounce) package tri-color rotini pasta
¾ pound Italian salami, finely diced
½ green bell pepper, sliced
½ red bell pepper, sliced
½ red onion, chopped
1 cup Italian-style salad dressing
1 (6 ounce) can sliced black olives
8 ounces small fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
3 (.7 ounce) packages dry Italian-style salad dressing mix, or to taste
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain and rinse with cold water until cool.
  • Combine pasta, salami, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, onion, salad dressing, olives, and mozzarella cheese in a large bowl. Mix dry salad dressing into pasta; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 370.9 calories, Carbohydrate 29.2 g, Cholesterol 46 mg, Fat 21 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 15.2 g, SaturatedFat 7.4 g, Sodium 1893.1 mg, Sugar 5.4 g

QUICK ITALIAN SALAD



Quick Italian Salad image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 20m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup grated Parmesan (pre-grated in a pack from the store)
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon vinegar
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 clove garlic, pressed
Juice of 1 lemon
1 head romaine lettuce, roughly chopped
1/2 head iceberg lettuce, chunked
6 whole pepperoncini
1/2 cup whole black olives
1/2 cup whole red cherry tomatoes
1/2 small red onion, very thinly sliced into circles
1/3 cup grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • For the dressing: In a blender, add the olive oil, mayonnaise, Parmesan, parsley, sugar, vinegar, black pepper, salt, red pepper flakes, garlic and lemon juice and blend until pureed.
  • For the salad: Put the romaine and iceberg greens in a large bowl and toss with the dressing. Top the salad with the pepperoncini, olives, tomatoes and onions. Sprinkle with Parmesan at the end.

QUICK ITALIAN BROCCOLI SALAD



Quick Italian Broccoli Salad image

Brighten up your winter meals with this crisp and colorful salad. Tomatoes, broccoli, mushrooms and red onions mingle with crunchy water chestnuts, all draped in a zesty bottled dressing. Dorothy Myrick of Kent, Washington shared this recipe.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 10m

Yield 9 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 small red onion, sliced and separated into rings
1 can (8 ounces) sliced water chestnuts, drained
1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
3/4 cup reduced-fat Italian salad dressing
1-1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, onion, water chestnuts and mushrooms. Drizzle with dressing; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Add tomatoes; gently toss.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 38 calories, Fat 1g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 1mg cholesterol, Sodium 295mg sodium, Carbohydrate 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

QUICK ITALIAN SALAD DRESSING



Quick Italian Salad Dressing image

As a diabetic who likes salads, I was tired of plain vinegar and oil topping the greens. So I came up with this tongue-tingling dressing.-George Greenauer, Spencerport, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 10m

Yield 2/3 cup.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon finely chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sugar substitute equivalent to 2 to 4 teaspoons sugar

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid; shake well. Refrigerate overnight.

Nutrition Facts :

QUICK ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



Quick Italian Pasta Salad image

I came up with this recipe after making the boxed kind for many years and I would doctor it up with fresh veggies, so I thought why not just make my own! It's super quick and easy and you can add as much or as many veggies that you like or use your own favorite dressing.

Provided by Meekocu2

Categories     European

Time 38m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (12 ounce) box barilla tri-color spiral pasta
1 (16 fluid ounce) bottle kraft zesty fat-free Italian salad dressing
1 medium cucumber
1 medium bell pepper (any color will do)
3 medium roma tomatoes
1/2 medium red onion (purple)
1 small zucchini or 1 medium zucchini
1 teaspoon italian seasoning
diced cheese (optional)
diced pepperoni (optional)

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions, about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside to drain well.
  • Cut cucumber, bell pepper, and onion into bite sized pieces. Place into the bowl you will be using for the salad.
  • Cut tomatoes in half and and in half again and deseed. Cut into bite sized pieces. Add to the bowl.
  • Cut stem and bottom off zucchini. Shred zucchini and add to the other vegetables.
  • Make sure the pasta is very well drained, and add to the bowl.
  • Pour salad dressing over pasta and vegetables. Use as little or as much as you like. I think it needs quite a bit since the pasta will soak some up.
  • Add the italian seasoning.
  • Mix well and chill at least 4 to 6 hours or over night for best flavors. Stirring occasionally.
  • To serve top with diced cheese and pepperoni if using.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 203, Fat 1.3, SaturatedFat 0.3, Cholesterol 1.1, Sodium 638.6, Carbohydrate 40.9, Fiber 2.7, Sugar 8.3, Protein 7

QUICK ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



QUICK ITALIAN PASTA SALAD image

Categories     Pasta     Pepper     Sausage

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 package (12 ounce) tri-color rotini pasta
3/4 pound Italian salami, finely diced
1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 cup Italian-style salad dressing
3 packages (.7 ounce) dry Italian-style dressing mix, or to taste
1 can (6 ounce) black olives, sliced
8 ounces small fresh mozzarella balls/ciliegine
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain and rinse with cold water until cool.
  • Combine pasta, salami, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, onion, salad dressing, olives, and mozzarella cheese in a large bowl.
  • Mix dry salad dressing into pasta; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

QUICK ITALIAN SALAD



Quick Italian Salad image

When I'm looking to use up garden-fresh vegetables, this is the recipe I reach for. Toss in whatever vegetables you like...the results are always fantastic.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 1-1/2 cups dressing.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Salad greens
Sliced tomatoes, zucchini, mushrooms and green pepper or vegetables of your choice
1 cup canola oil
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1-1/2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Arrange greens and vegetables in a salad bowl or on individual salad plates. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine all remaining ingredients; shake well. Serve over salad.

Nutrition Facts :

Tips:

- Select the freshest, ripest produce available for the best flavor. - Rinse and dry the vegetables thoroughly before assembling the salad to prevent excess water from diluting the dressing. - Use a variety of colors, textures, and flavors of vegetables to create a visually appealing and delicious salad. - For an extra-flavorful salad, try roasting your own vegetables before adding them to the salad. - Feel free to experiment with different types of dressings, such as a vinaigrette, creamy Caesar, or a tangy lemon-herb dressing. - If you're making the salad ahead of time, wait to add the dressing until just before serving to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy. - Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

This quick Italian salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that can be enjoyed any time of year. With its vibrant colors and delicious combination of vegetables, it's the perfect way to add a healthy and delicious touch to your next meal. Experiment with different variations of the recipe to find your perfect combination of flavors and ingredients. Whether you're looking for a light and refreshing lunch or a flavorful addition to your dinner table, this salad is sure to please. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's get cooking!

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