Simple Italian Green Salad
A crisp and refreshing salad with romaine, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber, all tossed in a zesty homemade Italian vinaigrette. The perfect light side for any pasta dish, ready in minutes.
For 4 servings
3 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
- b.Add the dried oregano, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper.
- c.Whisk well or shake the jar until the dressing is emulsified and well combined.
TIPFor a smoother dressing, let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the garlic flavor to mellow and infuse. - 2
Step 2
- a.In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced cucumber.
- b.Just before serving, pour the vinaigrette over the salad.
- c.Toss gently until all the vegetables are lightly coated with the dressing.
TIPWait to add the dressing until the last minute to keep the lettuce crisp and prevent it from becoming soggy. - 3
Step 3
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crisp lettuce, soak the chopped leaves in ice water for 10 minutes, then spin dry completely before using.
- 2The vinaigrette can be made up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- 3Feel free to add other vegetables like thinly sliced red onion, bell peppers, or olives.
- 4For a touch of saltiness, add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese to the dressing.
- 5Ensure all your vegetables are thoroughly dry before tossing with the dressing; this helps it adhere better.
Adapt it for your goals.
High protein
Add a can of drained chickpeas or some grilled chicken strips to make it a more substantial salad.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Use a milder vinegar like white wine vinegar and add a tiny pinch of sugar to the dressing to balance the tang.
healthyHealthy
Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flax seeds to the dressing for a boost of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
quickQuick
Use a store-bought light Italian vinaigrette to save time on making the dressing from scratch.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Hydrating
Cucumber and lettuce have high water content, which helps you stay hydrated.
Rich in Antioxidants
Cherry tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reduced risk of certain diseases.
Heart-Healthy Fats
The extra virgin olive oil in the vinaigrette provides monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's very healthy. It's packed with vitamins and fiber from the fresh vegetables, and the homemade vinaigrette uses heart-healthy olive oil and avoids the preservatives and excess sugar found in many store-bought dressings.