It has croutons, a dusting of parmesan and a homemade Italian dressing I adore.
This goes well with all thingsItalianbut especially with cosy foods likepasta,parmigiana,lasagna.
Or, have it as a wholesome but satisfying meal.
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If youre reading this, then hah, it did!
I may be jesting but actually this salad reallyismega both in size and tastiness.
As for the salad itself, it might look like a jumble of usual salad tidbits.
For those of you in the States think the signature Garden Salad at Olive Garden.
It tastes like that, except the dressing is better!
What you need for my Mega Italian Salad
Heres what you oughta make my super Italian salad.
I warned you Im very particular about the right balance of ingredients for my favourite Italian salad!
The salad stuff
Cos /romaine lettuce Were using a whole head for a big salad today.
As for what size to chop the pieces, it comes down to eater preference.
I like big chunks for a big, voluminous salad.
If youre dealing with smaller or less greedy mouths, you might want to cut the pieces smaller.
Substitutewith iceberg or other crunchy lettuce of choice.
Tomatoes 2 big juicy ones.
Or 3 medium ones.
Cherry tomatoes are also fine.
But for this salad, I prefer the juiciness of larger ones cut up.
Red onion Just 1/2, finely sliced.
For freshness and some bite, littered throughout.
Capsicum / bell pepper Also just half.
I dont want capsicum to dominate the salad too much and taste like aGreek Salad.
Were making an Italian salad here!
Bread for croutons Honestly, this salad is 100% fine to make without croutons.
Thats how I feel justified in calling this aMEGAItalian salad!
Note: the croutons are specifically a little larger than usual, made with stock-standard white sandwich bread.
Parmesan For sprinkling all over the salad, bringing salty umami to the party.
Its the other little thing that gives this salad that extra edge.
If youre new to parmesan in salads, be prepared to be wowed!
Italian Dressing
And heres what you need for the Italian Dressing:
Parmesan Yep, more.
They just know its darn tasty!
Dried herbs and spices Basil and garlic powder, plus a touch of red chilli flakes.
Plus, it also means I can make this Italian dressing year-round and not just summer.
I keep economical olive oil for cooking, and reserve the good stuff for salads.
This salad deserves the good stuff!
Red wine vinegar Made from wine (really?
), this vinegar is milder and has more flavour than your everyday white distilled vinegar.
Nobody likes soggy croutons and wilting lettuce!
MAKE AHEAD Just keep the salad separate from the vegetables.
Its good for 24 hours, and still acceptable for 48 hours.
You know the sort of flavours I mean!
I really think this salad could giveCaesar salada run for its money.
And try addingchickenfor an Uber Mega Italian Salad!
No video today, I thought this was a nice and simple recipe that doesnt need one.
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