Description
This Big Classic Italian Salad is a bold, deli-style favorite packed with crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, zesty red onion, pepperoncini, salami, and freshly grated parmesan. Tossed in a simple homemade Italian dressing, it’s fresh, crunchy, and perfect as a hearty side dish or satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 2 large heads romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup sliced kalamata olives
- ½ cup sliced green olives (optional)
- ¼ cup sliced pepperoncini
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 oz salami, sliced into thin strips
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
For the Dressing:
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, honey (if using), garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Chop the romaine lettuce and place it in a very large mixing bowl.
- Add cherry tomatoes, olives, pepperoncini, red onion, salami, and parmesan cheese to the bowl.
- Drizzle desired amount of dressing over the salad. Toss well to combine.
- Taste and adjust with extra parmesan, dressing, salt, or pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- This recipe makes a large salad—use two bowls if needed.
- For meal prep, store dressing separately and toss just before serving.
- Swap salami for grilled chicken for a lighter protein option.
- If raw red onion is too strong, soak slices in cold water for 10 minutes before adding.
- Leftover dressing keeps in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg