Description
Big Yummy Italian Salad is a quick and flavorful Italian-inspired salad featuring crunchy romaine lettuce, savory salami, creamy provolone cheese, tangy pepperoncini, and a golden garlic panko topping. Tossed with a simple, vibrant dressing made from Castelvetrano extra virgin olive oil, pepperoncini brine, and Italian seasoning, this 15-minute salad is perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner for two.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 3-4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 12-15 pieces salami, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cubed Provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup DeLallo Sliced Mild Pepperoncini
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
Garlic Panko Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons DeLallo Castelvetrano Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt, to taste
Dressing & Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons DeLallo Castelvetrano Extra Virgin Olive Oil (drizzle)
- 1-2 tablespoons pepperoncini brine (splash)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (a few shakes)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep Salad Stuff: Chop all your salad vegetables (romaine lettuce, red onion), slice salami into bite-sized pieces, and cube the provolone cheese. Prepare the Parmesan cheese and sliced mild pepperoncini for the salad bowl.
- Make Golden Crispy Garlic Panko: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons of Castelvetrano extra virgin olive oil. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir the mixture. Microwave again for an additional 20 to 40 seconds until the panko is golden and crispy. Be careful as it will be hot. Season with salt to taste.
- Toss with No-Recipe Dressing: In a large salad bowl, add all the prepared salad ingredients. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of Castelvetrano extra virgin olive oil, splash 1 to 2 tablespoons pepperoncini brine, sprinkle Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the salad thoroughly to combine all flavors. Finally, add the golden crispy garlic panko topping and toss gently to distribute. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- The garlic panko topping adds a wonderful crunchy texture; be sure not to skip the microwaving step for maximum crispness.
- Adjust the amount of pepperoncini brine to your preferred level of tanginess and heat.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami and add roasted or marinated vegetables.
- Use fresh, good-quality olive oil for the best flavor in the dressing.
- This salad is best served immediately to maintain the crispness of the panko and lettuce.
