Get ready to transport yourself to the sun-drenched hills of Italy with this incredibly fresh and vibrant Italian Salad with Parmesan Herb Dressing! This isn't just another boring salad - it's a symphony of crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, and a dressing so delicious it'll have you dreaming of Mediterranean landscapes. In just 10 minutes, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish that will impress your family and friends, proving that gourmet cooking can be quick, easy, and absolutely mouthwatering!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Fresh herbs (basil, oregano) to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the mixed greens thoroughly under cold water and spin dry in a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels. This will ensure your salad is crisp and fresh.
- Next, wash the cherry tomatoes and slice them in half. Set aside in a mixing bowl.
- Slice the cucumber into thin rounds. If the cucumber has a thick skin, you may choose to peel it first. Add the cucumber slices to the bowl with the cherry tomatoes.
- Take the red onion and slice it thinly. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes before adding them to the salad. Add the red onion to the bowl with the tomatoes and cucumber.
- In a small bowl, prepare the Parmesan herb dressing. Whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar until well combined. You can adjust the ratio to your taste if you prefer a more tangy dressing.
- Add freshly chopped herbs, such as basil and oregano, to the dressing. Start with a teaspoon of each and adjust according to your preference. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then whisk again to combine.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Drizzle the Parmesan herb dressing over the salad. Use just enough to coat the greens lightly, as you can always add more later if needed.
- Finally, shave the Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad. You can use a vegetable peeler to create thin, delicate shavings.
- Give the salad one final gentle toss to distribute the dressing and cheese evenly. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Tips
- Freshness is key! Always use the freshest ingredients you can find. Farm-fresh greens and ripe, in-season tomatoes will elevate your salad from good to extraordinary.
- For the most flavorful dressing, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar. The better the ingredients, the more delicious the result.
- When slicing red onions, soak them in cold water for a few minutes to reduce their sharp bite, making them more palatable in the salad.
- Use a vegetable peeler to create beautiful Parmesan cheese shavings - they look elegant and distribute more evenly than grated cheese.
- Serve the salad immediately after dressing to maintain the crispness of the greens and prevent wilting.
- Feel free to customize! Add some toasted pine nuts or swap herbs based on what's growing in your garden for a personal touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 95kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 6mg
