Italian Garden Fresh Salad
Inspired by traditional Italian family recipes, this Italian Garden Fresh Salad is the perfect accompaniment to any meal. With vibrant romaine lettuce and a medley of fresh vegetables including sweet plum tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and zesty onions, this salad is a burst of flavor and color. Tossed in a light and tangy dressing that combines extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a touch of sugar, this salad is not only simple to prepare but also a nourishing choice that can be easily scaled up for larger gatherings. This delightful and refreshing salad captures the essence of Italian cuisine and is ideal for serving alongside your favorite pasta dishes or grilled meats.
N/A
Servings
58
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Romaine lettuce hearts
2 (chopped)
Plum tomatoes
2 small (diced)
Kirby cucumber
1 (seeded and diced)
Yellow onion or Red onion
1 small or 1/2 (chopped)
Carrot
1 (peeled and shredded)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (for dressing)
Red wine vinegar
2 - 3 tablespoons (for dressing)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (for dressing)
Kosher salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Fresh cracked black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly washing the romaine lettuce hearts and patting them dry before cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped lettuce in a large salad bowl.
2
Dice the plum tomatoes and kirby cucumber, ensuring to seed the cucumber for a crisper texture. Chop the onion finely, and if using a yellow onion, aim for a sweet flavor. Shred the carrot using a grater for even distribution throughout the salad.
3
Add the diced tomatoes, cucumber, chopped onion, and shredded carrot to the bowl with the romaine lettuce.
4
In a small bowl or a plastic container, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and sugar. Seal the container with a lid and shake vigorously for about one minute, or until the sugar has dissolved completely.
5
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated. Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to your preference.
6
Serve immediately, or allow the salad to sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Nutrition Information
5
Fat
3
Carbs
1
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Italian Garden Fresh Salad?
It is a refreshing salad inspired by traditional Italian family recipes, featuring romaine lettuce, plum tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and carrots tossed in a light dressing.
How many calories are in this salad?
There are 58 calories per serving in this Italian Garden Fresh Salad.
What type of lettuce is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for two romaine lettuce hearts, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Which tomatoes work best for this salad?
Small plum tomatoes are recommended for their flavor and texture.
How should I prepare the cucumber?
The Kirby cucumber should be seeded and diced to ensure a crisper texture in the salad.
What kind of onion should I use?
You can use a small yellow onion for a sweet flavor or half of a red onion.
Why is the carrot shredded?
Shredding the carrot allows for even distribution throughout the salad and a better texture.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is made from extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a teaspoon of sugar.
How do I mix the dressing?
Combine the oil, vinegar, and sugar in a sealed container and shake vigorously for one minute until the sugar dissolves.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nourishing and healthy choice filled with fresh vegetables.
What is the fat content per serving?
This salad contains 5 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
Each serving contains 1 gram of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 3 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
What can I serve with Italian Garden Fresh Salad?
It is ideal for serving alongside favorite pasta dishes or grilled meats.
Can I scale this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, this salad can be easily scaled up for larger gatherings.
Should the salad be served immediately?
It can be served immediately or allowed to sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.
How do I season the salad?
Season the salad to taste with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper after tossing it with the dressing.
Is the lettuce washed before cutting?
Yes, you should thoroughly wash the romaine hearts and pat them dry before cutting.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe specifies using 2 to 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar.
Does the dressing require a lot of sugar?
No, only one teaspoon of sugar is needed to touch upon the tangy flavor of the dressing.
What is the prep technique for the onion?
The onion should be finely chopped before being added to the salad.
Can I use regular olive oil?
While regular olive oil works, extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor in the dressing.
What is a Kirby cucumber?
A Kirby cucumber is a small, bumpy-skinned cucumber often used for pickling or salads due to its crunch.
Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, all ingredients in this salad are plant-based and vegetarian-friendly.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients including the seasonings.
What tags define this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as salad, italian, fresh, healthy, vegetables, easy recipe, sides, quick meal, and garden salad.
Can I use a different salt?
The recipe calls for kosher salt, but you can use sea salt or table salt to your preference.
How do I ensure the dressing is well mixed?
Shaking it in a lidded plastic container for a full minute ensures the sugar is completely dissolved.
Is there any fiber in this salad?
The provided nutritional data does not list a specific fiber count, but the vegetables included are natural sources of fiber.
Is this recipe quick to make?
Yes, it is categorized as a 'quick meal' and an 'easy recipe'.