Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup green bell peppers, diced
- 1/4 cup banana peppers, sliced
- 1/4 cup salami, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil (extra-light tasting preferred)
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 or 2 lemons)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables and meats: Chop, dice, and slice all salad ingredients as described—romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, black olives, mozzarella cheese, green bell peppers, banana peppers, and salami. This ensures uniform pieces for layering and easy eating.
- Make the dressing: In a deep glass or bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and sugar. Use an immersion blender to thoroughly blend the dressing until smooth and emulsified, which creates a well-balanced, zesty flavor.
- Assemble the salad: Layer the salad ingredients in a large bowl or serving dish in this order: chopped lettuce first, then cherry tomatoes, diced green bell peppers, diced cucumbers, cubed mozzarella cheese, sliced salami, thinly sliced red onions, sliced black olives, banana peppers, and finally sprinkle the chopped fresh basil and parsley on top for freshness and aroma.
- Toss and serve: Drizzle the prepared zesty dressing over the layered salad just before serving to prevent sogginess. Gently toss the salad to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing, ensuring every bite is full of balanced flavors.
Notes
- Use extra-light tasting olive oil for a smoother, less bitter dressing.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on your preference.
- The salad is best served immediately after dressing to maintain freshness and crunch.
- Can be stored separately by keeping the dressing and salad ingredients in airtight containers for up to 1 day.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami or replace it with plant-based deli slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
