Classic Italian Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette

A vibrant Italian salad with romaine lettuce, freshvegetables, chickpeas, and a tangy homemade vinaigrette. Perfect as a side dishor light meal!

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean

Calories 200 kcal

For the Salad:
o 6 cups loosely packed chopped romaine lettuce mixed greens, or lettuce of choice
o 1 small cucumber chopped
o ¼ small red onion thinly sliced
o 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
o 1 cup canned chickpeas rinsed and drained
o ½ cup pitted kalamata olives
o ½ cup sliced pepperoncini
o ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
For the Salad Dressing:
o 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
o 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
o ½ teaspoon dried basil
o ½ teaspoon dried parsley
o ½ teaspoon dried oregano
o ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
o ¼ teaspoon salt
o ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
o ½ teaspoon honey or more, to taste

Prepare the Salad:
o In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, chopped cucumber, sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, rinsed and drained chickpeas, pitted kalamata olives, and sliced pepperoncini. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients together.
Make the Salad Dressing:
o In a small bowl or a mason jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried basil, dried parsley, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and honey until well combined. If using a mason jar, simply add all the ingredients, seal the lid, and shake well to emulsify the dressing.
Dress the Salad:
o Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated. You may not need to use all the dressing, so add it gradually and adjust to your taste.
Serve:
o Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad. Serve immediately as a side dish or enjoy it as a light main course with some crusty bread.

Calories: 200kcal

Keyword Mediterranean Salad

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!