Tonight is family dinner night (that’s every Tuesday around here!) and we are planning on picking up some pizzas. One of our favorite side dishes with pizza is this delicious Italian Salad- you’re going to die over the homemade vinaigrette. This recipe comes together quickly, incorporates colorful and fresh ingredients, and can even be a main dish by adding some protein like chicken! Also makes for a delish lunch option!
Fresh Italian Salad
Ingredients:
Vinaigrette
- 2 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups extra virgin olive oil
Salad
- Half a small red onion, sliced thinly
- 1 large head romaine lettuce, cleaned and chopped into bite sized pieces
- 1 medium head radicchio, cleaned and chopped into bite sized pieces
- 1 pint small sweet cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz mozzarella balls, halved
- 1 large English cucumber, cut in half lengthwise and sliced
- 1/3 cup grated Italian cheese mix
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup Italian vinaigrette (recipe above)
Instructions:
- Combine the vinegar, oregano, lemon juice, garlic, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl and whisk to combine.
- Add the olive oil in a slow, thin stream, whisking constantly to combine.
- In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, radicchio, tomatoes, mozzarella, cucumber, cheese, olives and onion.
- Toss to thoroughly combine the ingredients.
- Drizzle 1/2 cup of the vinaigrette and toss gently to coat the salad with the dressing. Serve immediately.
I hope you all enjoy this recipe- it really is so fresh and delicious! Perfect for summer and the best salad to go along with family pizza night. As always, my mom and I love to see what recipes you are making, so tag me on Instagram so I can show her 🙂 Have a great day! Love, Nina and Alexa
