Best Easy Italian Green Salad
This fresh and quick Italian green salad is the perfect accompaniment to pasta or a light meal on its own. Loaded with vibrant vegetables, cheese, and a zesty dressing, it's both delicious and easy to prepare.
Equipment
- jar with a lid
- salad bowl
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 6 cups fresh lettuce washed and torn
- 1 medium cucumber peeled and diced
- ⅓ cup mini pepperoni slices or quartered regular pepperoni
- ½ cup mozzarella either cubed or chopped from sticks
- 3 tablespoons salted sunflower seeds
- ½ to 1 cup crunchy garlic croutons
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup red or white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper or to taste
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Begin by assembling all the dressing ingredients in a jar with a lid. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until properly mixed. Set it aside to allow the flavors to combine.
For Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the lettuce, diced cucumber, pepperoni, mozzarella, sunflower seeds, Parmesan, and croutons. Gently toss to ensure an even distribution of all ingredients.
To Serve:
- Right before serving, give the dressing jar another good shake. Drizzle it over the salad and toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated in the flavorful dressing. Enjoy immediately for the best taste!