Mega Italian Salad

Mega Italian Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and flavor-packed dish that brings together crisp vegetables, savory croutons, and a tangy homemade Italian dressing. Perfect as a side salad or even a light meal, this salad is loaded with wholesome ingredients and bursting with Italian flavors. Whether you’re serving it alongside a main dish or enjoying it on its own, this salad will be a hit at any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mega Italian Salad is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The crunchy croutons add a delightful crispness, while the fresh veggies and kalamata olives provide bold and savory flavors. The homemade dressing ties everything together with a tangy, zesty kick from vinegar, parmesan, and a hint of garlic. It’s easy to prepare and incredibly versatile—serve it at family gatherings, BBQs, or enjoy it as a quick lunch or dinner.

Croutons:

• 3 slices white sandwich bread (~1.75 cm / 3/4″ thick, crust off, cut into cubes)

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 2 pinches salt

Italian Dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp vinegar

• 4 tsp freshly grated parmesan

• 2 tsp sugar

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

• 1/4 tsp dried basil

• 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)

• 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt

• 1/8 tsp black pepper

Salad:

• 1 head cos / romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces

• 2 large tomatoes, cut into wedges and halved

• 1/2 green capsicum/bell pepper, cut into 1.5cm (2/3″) cubes

• 1/2 red onion, finely sliced

• 1 cup whole pitted kalamata olives

• 1/4 cup (tightly packed) finely grated parmesan

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Croutons: Preheat the oven to 200°C/390°F (180°C fan). Toss bread cubes with olive oil and salt. Spread them out on a tray and bake for 15 minutes, stirring twice, until golden and crisp. Let cool on the tray.

2. Dressing: Shake all dressing ingredients together in a jar until well combined.

3. Make Salad: Set aside some parmesan for garnish. In a large bowl, combine croutons and all remaining salad ingredients. Pour the dressing over and toss well.

4. Serve: Transfer salad to a serving bowl and sprinkle with reserved parmesan. Serve immediately!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add protein: To make this salad a complete meal, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tuna for a boost of protein.

• Vegan version: Omit the parmesan in the dressing and on top, and use a dairy-free version of the dressing for a vegan-friendly option.

• Herb variations: Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of freshness in the salad.

• Extra veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as cucumbers, radishes, or avocado for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to maintain freshness.

• Reheating: It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh, but if you have leftover croutons, you can store them in an airtight container and re-crisp them in the oven for a few minutes before adding them to the salad.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought croutons instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use store-bought croutons if you’re short on time. However, homemade croutons add a personal touch and a fresher flavor.

2. Can I use other types of lettuce for this salad?

Yes, you can use any type of lettuce you prefer, such as iceberg, butterhead, or mixed greens. Romaine provides a nice crisp texture, but feel free to experiment with other greens.

3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the salad components (croutons, veggies, and dressing) ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the salad and add the dressing just before serving to keep the croutons crispy.

4. How can I make the dressing spicier?

If you prefer more heat, add extra chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing to amp up the spiciness.

5. Can I use a different type of vinegar for the dressing?

Yes, you can substitute red vinegar or balsamic vinegar for white vinegar, depending on your flavor preferences.

6. Can I add other types of olives to the salad?

Definitely! While kalamata olives add a rich, briny flavor, you can substitute with green olives, black olives, or a mix of your favorites.

7. Can I prepare the croutons in advance?

Yes, you can make the croutons in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to a week. Just keep them at room temperature.

8. Is this salad gluten-free?

To make this salad gluten-free, use gluten-free bread for the croutons or simply omit them and enjoy the salad with the other delicious toppings.

9. How do I store leftover dressing?

You can store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Shake well before using.

10. Can I make the salad without croutons?

If you prefer to keep the salad lighter, feel free to skip the croutons and enjoy the fresh veggies and dressing on their own.

Conclusion

Mega Italian Salad is a simple yet delicious side dish that’s packed with flavor and texture. The fresh vegetables, tangy homemade dressing, and crispy croutons come together in a satisfying way, making it the perfect addition to any meal. With endless customization options, you can tailor it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ, dinner party, or enjoying it on its own, this salad is sure to impress!