Best 5 Simple Italian Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary journey to the heart of Italy with our collection of simple yet delectable Italian salad recipes. From the classic Insalata Caprese, a harmonious blend of fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, to the vibrant Panzanella, a refreshing medley of bread, tomatoes, and cucumbers, these recipes embody the essence of Italian cuisine: fresh, flavorful, and bursting with Mediterranean charm. Discover the secrets behind creating the perfect Italian dressing, a versatile accompaniment that elevates any salad with its balance of tangy vinegar, smooth olive oil, and aromatic herbs. Explore variations such as the zesty Lemon-Garlic Dressing and the creamy Caesar Dressing, each adding a unique twist to your salad creations. With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, these recipes cater to both novice cooks and experienced chefs alike. Embark on a culinary adventure and experience the authentic taste of Italy with our curated selection of simple Italian salad recipes.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

SIMPLE ITALIAN SALAD



Simple Italian Salad image

Homemade croutons star in this easy Italian salad recipe, filled with grape tomatoes, olives and pepperoncinis. I like to serve it with fresh Italian or focaccia bread. —Nancy Granaman, Burlington, Iowa

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

3 slices Italian bread, cubed
Butter-flavored cooking spray
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 bunches romaine, torn
2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 small red onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings
8 pepperoncini
1/2 cup fat-free Italian salad dressing

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450°. For croutons, spritz bread cubes with butter-flavored spray; place in a bowl. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder; toss to coat evenly. , Transfer to a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake until golden brown, 8-10 minutes, stirring once or twice. Cool. , Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine romaine, tomatoes, olives, Parmesan cheese, onion and pepperoncini. Drizzle with salad dressing; toss to coat. Top with croutons.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 120 calories, Fat 3g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 3mg cholesterol, Sodium 943mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

SIMPLE ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



Simple Italian Pasta Salad image

Perfect for barbecues or any get together. Customize with your favorite vegetables and cheeses. Serve chilled or at room temperature. You can use any assortment of diced vegetables. You can substitute mozzarella cheese for the Parmesan cheese.

Provided by cdastolip9

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Italian Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 8h35m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (16 ounce) package rotelle pasta
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped tomatoes
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 (6 ounce) can black olives, drained
1 (6 ounce) package pepperoni
1 cup Italian-style salad dressing (such as Olive Garden®), divided

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook rotelle in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain.
  • Stir rotelle, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, olives, and pepperoni together in a large bowl. Pour 1/2 of the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate, 8 hours to overnight. Pour remaining dressing over the salad and stir.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 308.4 calories, Carbohydrate 32.5 g, Cholesterol 19.3 mg, Fat 15.7 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 10.7 g, SaturatedFat 4.2 g, Sodium 771.3 mg, Sugar 4 g

SIMPLE ITALIAN BEAN SALAD



Simple Italian Bean Salad image

Make and share this Simple Italian Bean Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by CulinaryQueen

Categories     Beans

Time 10m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 spring onions, chopped (aka scallions or green onions)
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 red chile, deseeded and finely chopped
2 (400 g) cans cannellini beans
1 (400 g) can butter beans, drained
6 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the spring onions, garlic and chili.
  • Add the three cans of beans and mix thoroughly.
  • Whisk together the olive oil and white wine vinegar and season.
  • Drizzle over the bean salad and stir in with the parsley.
  • Serve straight away or refrigerate until ready.

SIMPLE ITALIAN SPINACH SALAD



Simple Italian Spinach Salad image

"While the fish is marinating, I toss together a big bowl of Italian Spinach Salad," Judy relates. "Prepared Italian dressing makes this twist on traditional wilted spinach salad simple ti fix. I usually have a hard-cooked egg ready in the refrigerator, and the dressing just takes seconds to heat."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 10m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 package (6 ounces) fresh baby spinach
1 green onion, thinly sliced
1 hard-boiled large egg, chopped
3 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
3 tablespoons Italian salad dressing
2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a large salad bowl, toss spinach, onion, egg and bacon. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat salad dressing on high for 30-45 seconds or until warm. Pour over the salad and toss to coat. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 108 calories, Fat 9g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 59mg cholesterol, Sodium 357mg sodium, Carbohydrate 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.

SIMPLE ITALIAN TOSSED SALAD



Simple Italian Tossed Salad image

-Mary Elizabeth Costello, Venice, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 cups torn iceberg lettuce
4 cups torn romaine
1 cup water-packed artichoke hearts, rinsed, drained and quartered
1 jar (2 ounces) sliced pimientos, drained
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a large salad bowl, combine the lettuce, romaine, artichokes, pimientos and onion. Cover and refrigerate until serving. , In a small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Just before serving, whisk dressing. Pour over salad; toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with cheese; toss again.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 157 calories, Fat 14g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 371mg sodium, Carbohydrate 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your salad.
  • Don't overdress the salad. A little bit of dressing goes a long way.
  • Toss the salad gently. This will help to prevent the leaves from bruising.
  • Serve the salad immediately. This will ensure that the salad is at its best.

Conclusion:

A simple Italian salad is a delicious, healthy, and refreshing dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own preferences. With a few simple tips, you can make a salad that is sure to impress your friends and family. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this simple Italian salad a try. You won't be disappointed!

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