Ina Garten’s Refreshing Italian Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

An Ina Garten Italian Salad bursts with Mediterranean flavors that dance across your palate, transforming an ordinary meal into a culinary celebration.

Fresh ingredients blend harmoniously, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that capture the essence of Italian cuisine.

Each crisp bite delivers a refreshing combination of garden-fresh vegetables and tangy accents.

The colorful composition reflects simplicity and elegance, characteristic of garten’s renowned cooking style.

Vibrant ingredients intermingle, promising a delightful sensory experience that elevates any dining occasion.

Bright, zesty notes complement the robust ingredients, making this salad a perfect accompaniment to main courses.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe invites you to savor a slice of Mediterranean-inspired dining: bon appétit!

Why Italian Salad Is a Mediterranean Favorite

• Burst with Mediterranean Freshness: This salad explodes with vibrant, colorful ingredients that transport your taste buds straight to an Italian countryside, combining crisp vegetables and tangy flavors in every delightful bite.
• Quick and Effortless Preparation: The recipe requires minimal cooking skills, taking less than 15 minutes to assemble, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a gourmet-style dish without complicated techniques.
• Nutrition-Packed Powerhouse: Loaded with fresh vegetables, healthy olive oil, and protein-rich Parmesan cheese, this salad delivers a balanced meal that feels indulgent while providing essential nutrients and keeping you satisfied.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Whether served as a light lunch, elegant side dish, or standalone meal, this Italian salad adapts to various dining occasions, from casual family dinners to sophisticated summer gatherings.

Ingredients That Make Italian Salad Sing

• Mixed Greens: Fresh, crisp base that provides a variety of textures and mild flavors.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, adding bright color and fresh taste to the salad.
• Cucumber: Crunchy and refreshing, bringing a cool element to the dish.
• Red Onion: Sharp and zesty, providing a bold flavor and vibrant color.

• Black Olives: Salty and rich, adding Mediterranean character to the salad.
• Pepperoncini: Tangy and slightly spicy, creating a zesty flavor profile.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intense and concentrated, contributing deep tomato flavor.

• Olive Oil: Smooth base for the dressing, adding richness and authentic Italian flavor.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Acidic component that balances and brightens the dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a sharp, tangy kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Minced Garlic: Aromatic and pungent, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Oregano: Classic Italian herb that adds earthy and slightly peppery notes.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance and balance all flavors.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty and nutty, sprinkled on top for extra depth.
• Croutons: Crunchy and golden, adding texture and a satisfying element to the salad.

How to Build an Italian Salad Step-by-Step

Step 1: Gather Fresh Ingredients

• Mixed greens
• Cherry tomatoes
• Red onion
• Cucumber
• Black olives
• Pepperoncini
• Sun-dried tomatoes

Wash and dry all vegetables thoroughly.

Step 2: Prepare Zesty Dressing

• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk or shake vigorously until ingredients combine smoothly.

Step 3: Combine Salad Components

Transfer prepared vegetables into a large mixing bowl.

Drizzle dressing over the ingredients.

Toss gently using salad servers or two large spoons.

Ensure every vegetable gets a delicious coating of dressing.

Step 4: Finish With Crunchy Toppings

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the salad.

Add crispy croutons for extra texture.

Serve immediately to enjoy maximum flavor and crunchiness.

Best enjoyed as a refreshing side dish or light lunch.

Top Tips for Balancing Oil, Vinegar, and Veg

• Balance Greens Texture: Combine crisp and tender lettuce varieties for a more interesting mouthfeel and diverse nutritional profile.
• Elevate Cheese Selection: Experiment with artisanal Italian cheeses like parmigiano-reggiano or aged provolone to enhance authentic Mediterranean flavors.
• Boost Protein Power: Incorporate leftover roasted meats or quick-seared Mediterranean proteins like grilled sardines or prosciutto for a satisfying meal.
• Create Crunch Contrast: Sprinkle homemade herbed breadcrumbs or toasted golden croutons for a delightful textural dimension beyond traditional nuts.
• Master Dressing Balance: Whisk vinaigrette ingredients just before serving to maintain vibrant flavors and prevent separation, ensuring each bite remains perfectly seasoned.

How to Store Italian Salad with Ease

• Separate Ingredients: Keep salad components in individual containers to maintain crisp textures. Slice vegetables just before serving and store lettuce, tomatoes, and other delicate ingredients separately to prevent wilting and moisture buildup.
• Dressing Strategy: Always store vinaigrette in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator. Shake well before drizzling over salad components to ensure fresh, vibrant flavors remain intact. Homemade dressings typically last 5-7 days when refrigerated properly.
• Herb Preservation: Wrap fresh herbs like basil and parsley in slightly damp paper towels inside resealable plastic bags. Store in the refrigerator's vegetable drawer to keep them perky and green for up to a week. Trim herb stems and mist with water occasionally to extend their freshness and prevent premature browning.

Creative Italian Salad Twists to Try

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap mixed greens with arugula and add fresh basil leaves, mint, and chopped parsley for an elevated herbal experience.
• Protein Power Boost: Include grilled chicken strips, sliced salami, or chickpeas to transform the salad into a more substantial meal with extra protein.
• Zesty Greek-Inspired Version: Replace Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle dried oregano for a traditional Greek salad flavor profile.
• Roasted Vegetable Remix: Grill zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant beforehand, then chop and mix into the salad for a smoky, robust taste that brings warmth and depth to the original recipe.

Italian Salad Recap: Classic and Bold

Mediterranean flavors dance across palates with Ina Garten’s Italian salad, creating a symphony of fresh ingredients and zesty dressing.

Garden-fresh vegetables intermingle with tangy peppers and briny olives, promising culinary excitement in each forkful.

Parmesan cheese adds rich complexity, while croutons provide delightful crunch against crisp greens.

Classic Mediterranean ingredients tell stories of sunlit Italian landscapes and generations of passionate cooking.

Garten’s recipe transforms simple components into an elegant dining experience that celebrates rustic charm and sophisticated taste.

You’ll savor this salad’s harmonious blend of textures and flavors – so go ahead, share this recipe, comment with your culinary adventures, and let others discover this Mediterranean masterpiece.

Ina Garten Italian Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s Italian Salad brings Mediterranean magic to your table with crisp greens, zesty pepperoncini, and tangy salami. Generous herbs and classic vinaigrette create an authentic flavor profile that transports diners straight to the Italian countryside.

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Ingredients

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Greens and Vegetables:

• 4 cups (0.95 liters) mixed greens (such as romaine, arugula, and radicchio)
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup (59 milliliters) pepperoncini, sliced
• ¼ cup (59 milliliters) sun-dried tomatoes, julienned

Proteins and Cheese:

• ¼ cup (30 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (60 grams) croutons
• ½ cup (75 grams) black olives, pitted and sliced

Dressing Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (59 milliliters) extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Gather all the salad ingredients: mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, diced cucumber, briny black olives, tangy pepperoncini, and richly flavored sun-dried tomatoes in a spacious mixing bowl.
2. Create a vibrant vinaigrette by combining extra virgin olive oil (59 milliliters or 2 fluid ounces), robust red wine vinegar, zesty Dijon mustard, finely minced fresh garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small glass jar or mixing bowl.
3. Securely fasten the lid of the jar and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds, or whisk thoroughly in the bowl until the dressing emulsifies and becomes smooth and well-integrated.
4. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the crisp vegetable mixture, using gentle folding motions to ensure each ingredient is evenly coated without bruising the delicate greens.
5. Finish the salad by generously sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese and crunchy croutons across the top, creating a delightful textural contrast.
6. Serve the Mediterranean-inspired salad immediately to preserve the crisp vegetables and maintain the ideal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Elevate your salad with unexpected protein choices like smoked salmon, crispy tofu, or marinated tempeh for a surprising twist.
• Create texture magic by toasting nuts in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes, releasing deeper, richer flavors before sprinkling over your greens.
• Transform leftover roasted vegetables into delicious salad additions, bringing depth and warmth to your fresh ingredients.
• Balance flavors by combining soft cheeses with crunchy elements, ensuring each bite offers a delightful sensory experience.
• Store dressing separately when prepping salads in advance to maintain crisp vegetable textures and prevent soggy greens.

• Prep Time: 17 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 200 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg