Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and EASY Italian Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that comes together in minutes using simple, flavorful ingredients. With crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, tangy pepperoncini, and a zesty Italian dressing, this salad pairs perfectly with any Italian meal or can stand alone as a light lunch. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you need a fast, crowd-pleasing side.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
romaine lettucecherry tomatoescucumberred onionblack olivespepperonciniparmesan cheeseItalian dressing (store-bought or homemade)croutonssalt and pepper
directions
Chop the romaine lettuce and place it in a large salad bowl.
Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber and red onion, and add them to the bowl.
Add black olives, pepperoncini, and a generous sprinkle of grated or shaved Parmesan cheese.
Toss everything lightly with your favorite Italian dressing.
Top with crunchy croutons just before serving.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesTotal time: 10 minutes
Variations
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salami for a protein boost.
Include mozzarella balls or provolone slices for extra richness.
Toss in cooked pasta to make it a hearty pasta salad.
Swap romaine for a spring mix or iceberg for a different texture.
Use sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for deeper flavor.
storage/reheating
Store leftover salad (without dressing or croutons) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.Dress and add croutons just before serving to avoid sogginess.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prep the ingredients and store them separately. Assemble and dress right before serving.
What kind of Italian dressing works best?
A tangy vinaigrette with herbs is ideal. Store-bought or homemade both work well.
Are pepperoncini spicy?
They are mildly tangy with very little heat, making them kid-friendly.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feta, goat cheese, or asiago also work well in this salad.
Can I skip the croutons?
Yes, they are optional but add a great crunch.
Conclusion
Quick and EASY Italian Salad is a go-to recipe for anyone seeking a fresh, delicious side or light meal in under 10 minutes. Its crisp veggies, bold flavors, and simple prep make it a staple you’ll come back to again and again.
Print
Quick and EASY Italian Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy Italian salad packed with crisp vegetables, tangy dressing, and zesty flavors — perfect as a side or light main dish.
Ingredients
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini, sliced
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup croutons
- 1/3 cup Italian dressing
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and pepperoncini.
- Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese and croutons over the top.
- Drizzle with Italian dressing.
- Toss the salad gently until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Use homemade Italian dressing for a fresher taste.
- Serve chilled for a refreshing summer side dish.