Big Classic Italian Salad (Printable Format)

A vibrant mix of greens, tomatoes, olives and peppers tossed in a simple red wine vinaigrette - a taste of Italy in every bite.

# What You'll Gather:

→ Salad Ingredients

01 - 6 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., romaine, arugula, spinach)
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
04 - 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
05 - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
06 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

→ For the Dressing

08 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
09 - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - Salt and pepper to taste

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - In a large salad bowl, toss together the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, pepperoncini, and red onion. Make sure everything's evenly distributed.
02 - In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
03 - Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
04 - Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil on top of the salad.
05 - Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.

# Important Tips:

01 - Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein if you want a heartier meal.
02 - Try swapping Kalamata olives for green olives for a different flavor profile.
03 - Add avocado for creaminess or cucumber for extra crunch.
04 - This salad pairs well with Italian bread or as a side dish with your favorite pasta.