Simple Italian Salad
This crisp and zesty Italian salad is one of those go-to recipes I keep coming back to.
It’s light, fresh, and loaded with flavor—perfect for any meal.
From tangy pepperoncini and briny olives to juicy tomatoes and crunchy croutons,
every bite is bursting with bold, savory goodness.
Toss it all in your favorite Italian dressing and finish with shaved Parmesan,
and you’ve got a salad that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Your family will love it alongside pasta, grilled meats, or on its own,
and you’ll love how quickly it comes together in just 15 minutes.
For Simple Italian Salad
- Romaine Lettuce – This adds a crunchy texture and serves as the base of the salad.
- Butter Lettuce Blend – Brings a soft, tender leaf that complements the romaine.
- Red Onion – Thinly sliced for a touch of sharpness and color.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Halved to bring a juicy, sweet bite to the salad.
- Black Olives – Pitted and halved, offering a briny, rich flavor.
- Pepperoncini – Adds a slight tang and a bit of heat.
- Croutons – Crunchy, golden croutons for texture.
- Italian Dressing – A zesty dressing to tie everything together.
- Parmesan Cheese – Freshly shaved for a sharp, nutty finish.
Quick & Easy Italian Salad
Notes
Ingredients
- 1 romaine heart, chopped (about 3 cups)
- 4 cups loosely packed butter lettuce blend
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup pitted black olives (whole or halved)
- ½ cup jarred sliced pepperoncini
- 1 cup croutons (try homemade!)
- ¾ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine romaine, butter lettuce, red onion, tomatoes, olives, and pepperoncini. Toss gently.
- Add croutons and drizzle with desired amount of Italian dressing. Toss again, carefully, so the croutons stay crisp.
- Season with black pepper and top with Parmesan shavings.
- Serve immediately with extra dressing on the side.
Tip:
To shave Parmesan, use the slicing side of a box grater or a vegetable peeler along the side of a block of cheese.
Nutrition
Calories: 139 kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 562mg | Potassium: 258mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 2988 IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 1mg
1. Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the salad ingredients (excluding croutons and dressing) up to 24 hours in advance. Layer everything in a bowl, cover it, and refrigerate. Add croutons and dressing just before serving to keep things crisp and fresh.
2. How should I store leftover salad?
Store the salad, croutons, and dressing in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents sogginess and keeps each component at its best. For ideal taste and texture, enjoy within 2–3 days.
3. Can I customize the ingredients based on my preferences?
Absolutely! Feel free to personalize your salad—swap in your favorite greens, add pepperoncini, olives, or cherry tomatoes, or leave out anything you don’t love. Romaine can easily be replaced with spinach or a spring mix.
4. How can I make the salad spicier?
To kick up the heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or mix a few dashes of hot sauce into the dressing. Adjust the amount based on how spicy you like it.
5. Can I use store-bought dressing instead of homemade?
Yes! Store-bought Italian dressing is a quick option. For a boost of flavor, stir in a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of dried oregano before tossing it with your salad.
