A colorful Mega Italian Salad with fresh vegetables and dressing.

Mega Italian Salad

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Mega Italian Salad is a delicious and colorful dish that brings together fresh ingredients in a way that is vibrant and tasty. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you are hosting a dinner party or just want a healthy meal on a warm day. The combination of crunchy croutons, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing makes it not only satisfying but also very enjoyable. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover bread!

how to make Mega Italian Salad

Ingredients:

  • 3 slices white sandwich bread, (~1.75 cm / 3/4" thick, crust off, cut into cubes)
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 pinches salt
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 4 tsp freshly grated parmesan
  • 2 tsp sugar (any)
  • 1/4 tsp each garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp dried basil
  • 1/4 tsp chili flakes (red pepper flakes, optional)
  • 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 1 head cos / romaine lettuce, chopped into large or small bite-size pieces
  • 2 large tomatoes, cut into 6 to 8 wedges, then each wedge in half
  • 1/2 green capsicum/bell pepper, cut into 1.5 cm / 2/3" cubes
  • 1/2 red onion, finely sliced
  • 1 cup whole pitted kalamata olives
  • 1/4 cup (tightly packed) finely grated parmesan

Directions:

  1. Croutons: Preheat your oven to 200°C/390°F (180°C fan). In a bowl, toss the cubed bread with the olive oil and salt. Spread the bread on a tray and bake for 15 minutes. Stir the bread twice during baking until it turns golden and crisp. Allow the croutons to cool on the tray.

  2. Dressing: In a jar, shake together the ingredients for the dressing: 1/4 cup olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, dried basil, chili flakes, cooking/kosher salt, and black pepper until well mixed.

  3. Make salad: Set aside some grated parmesan for garnish. In a large bowl, combine the croutons and all remaining salad ingredients including romaine lettuce, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and olives. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat everything evenly.

  4. Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and sprinkle with the reserved parmesan. Serve immediately and enjoy!

how to serve Mega Italian Salad

Serve Mega Italian Salad as a stand-alone dish or as a side with grilled meats or pasta. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses, and its freshness will complement heavier dishes.

how to store Mega Italian Salad

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh, as the croutons can become soggy over time. If possible, store the croutons and salad separately until ready to eat.

tips to make Mega Italian Salad

  • For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
  • If you prefer a creamy dressing, substitute the vinaigrette for a store-bought Italian dressing or a homemade creamy dressing.
  • Mix in any other vegetables you like, such as cucumbers or carrots, to make it even more colorful.

variation (if any)

You can customize the Mega Italian Salad by adding grilled chicken for protein or swapping out the olives for artichoke hearts. Feel free to play around with the vegetables or add your favorite cheese, like feta or mozzarella.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: It’s best to prepare this salad shortly before serving for maximum freshness. You can prepare the croutons and dressing in advance, but add the dressing right before serving.

Q: What if I don’t have kalamata olives?
A: If kalamata olives are not available, you can use green olives or omit them entirely for a different taste.

Q: Can I use any bread for the croutons?
A: Yes, you can use any type of bread you like! Whole grain or sourdough will work well in this recipe too.