How to Make the Best Italian Salad Ever!

salami

🥗Healthier: turkey salami

💰Cheaper: ham

Turkey salami is lower in fat while ham is often less expensive.

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: feta cheese

💰Cheaper: cheddar cheese

Feta offers a tangy flavor with fewer calories, while cheddar is commonly available.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil is heart-healthy, while canola oil is budget-friendly.

red wine vinegar

🥗Healthier: apple cider vinegar

💰Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar adds a fruity note, while white vinegar is cost-effective.

Chop romaine lettuce and iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces and rinse under water.

Chill the lettuce in the refrigerator.

Make the Italian dressing by mincing 2 cloves of garlic and combining them with 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley, 1/3 cup of white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon each of Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in a jar.

Add 2/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper to the jar and shake to emulsify.

Prepare the cucumber by cutting it in half, removing the seeds, and chopping it into small pieces.

In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, iceberg lettuce, cucumber, 3/4 cup of black olives, 1/2 cup of chickpeas, 1/4 cup of chopped red onion, diced smoked ham, diced mortadella, sliced radish, and halved cherry tomatoes.

Add the Italian dressing to the salad and toss to combine.

Top with pepperonis and serve.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens