Mediterranean Garden Salad Delight
This Mediterranean Garden Salad Delight is a fresh, vibrant, and delicious salad inspired by the classic Olive Garden salad. Bursting with a variety of textures and flavors, it features crisp mixed salad greens topped with crunchy croutons, tangy pepperoncini peppers, savory black olives, and sweet cherry tomatoes. Finished with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this salad is a perfect accompaniment to any meal or can stand alone as a light lunch. Quick and easy to prepare, this recipe takes less than 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or impressive gatherings with family and friends. Enjoy the crisp flavors of the Mediterranean right at your dining table!
8
Servings
70
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mixed salad greens
1 (16 ounce bag (Dole's American Blend))
Red onions
8-10 (slices)
Black olives
8-10 (whole)
Pepperoncini peppers
6-8 (whole)
Croutons
3/4 (cup)
Roma tomatoes
2 (quartered (or use grape tomatoes if available))
Parmesan cheese
to taste (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the bag of mixed salad greens into a large salad bowl, creating a base for your salad.
2
Next, artfully layer the sliced red onions over the greens, spreading them evenly to ensure every bite has a hint of onion flavor.
3
Add in the black olives, distributing them throughout the salad for bursts of savory flavor.
4
Scatter the pepperoncini peppers across the salad for a zesty kick.
5
Sprinkle the croutons over the top to add a delightful crunch.
6
Quarter the roma tomatoes and arrange them decoratively on the salad, or use halved grape tomatoes for a pop of sweetness.
7
Finally, generously grate fresh Parmesan cheese over the top, adding a rich, nutty finish.
8
For the best experience, serve immediately with your favorite dressing (such as Italian dressing) and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
3.75g
Fat
6.5g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Garden Salad Delight?
It is a fresh, vibrant salad inspired by the classic Olive Garden salad, featuring mixed greens, croutons, peppers, olives, and tomatoes.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
The preparation time is very quick, taking less than 15 minutes.
What are the main ingredients in the Mediterranean Garden Salad?
The main ingredients include mixed salad greens, red onions, black olives, pepperoncini peppers, croutons, roma tomatoes, and parmesan cheese.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 70 calories.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly.
What kind of salad greens should I use?
The recipe suggests a 16-ounce bag of mixed salad greens, specifically Dole's American Blend.
Can I use grape tomatoes instead of roma tomatoes?
Yes, you can use halved grape tomatoes as a substitute for quartered roma tomatoes.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 3.75g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving has 6.5g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in the salad?
There are 2g of protein per serving.
What type of dressing should I serve with this?
The recipe suggests serving it with your favorite Italian dressing.
How many pepperoncini peppers are needed?
The recipe calls for 6 to 8 whole pepperoncini peppers.
How should the red onions be prepared?
The red onions should be cut into 8 to 10 slices and layered over the greens.
Are the black olives sliced or whole?
The recipe calls for 8 to 10 whole black olives.
Is there a specific way to layer the salad?
Start with greens, then layer onions, olives, pepperoncini, croutons, and tomatoes, finishing with grated cheese.
What kind of cheese is used?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is used to finish the salad.
Can I make this salad gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, you would need to omit the croutons or use a gluten-free crouton alternative.
Is this salad spicy?
The pepperoncini peppers provide a zesty kick, but it is generally considered a mild salad.
Can I add extra protein to this salad?
Yes, you could easily add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a more filling meal.
How much Parmesan cheese should I add?
The amount of Parmesan cheese is to taste, but it should be added generously.
Should I serve the salad immediately?
Yes, for the best experience and to keep the greens crisp, it should be served immediately after assembly.
How many croutons are used?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of croutons.
Is this a good side dish for parties?
Yes, its vibrant colors and quick prep make it an ideal choice for impressive gatherings.
What makes this 'Mediterranean'?
The inclusion of olives, pepperoncini, and parmesan cheese gives it a flavor profile typical of Mediterranean-inspired salads.
Can I prep the vegetables in advance?
Yes, you can slice the onions and quarter the tomatoes ahead of time, but wait to assemble until ready to serve.
Is this salad low in sugar?
While sugar is not specifically measured in the data, the vegetable-heavy ingredients suggest it is low in sugar.
Does this recipe include salt?
The recipe does not list added salt, as the olives, peppers, and cheese provide natural saltiness.
What is the texture of the salad?
The salad offers a variety of textures, including crisp greens, crunchy croutons, and juicy tomatoes.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
While you can, the recipe recommends freshly grated Parmesan for a rich, nutty finish.