There’s something undeniably satisfying about a well-balanced tossed salad that hits all the right notes — crisp, tangy, savory, and refreshing. This Italian-inspired garden salad brings together classic elements that many of us have come to love from popular restaurants: crunchy greens, zesty pepperoncini, juicy tomatoes, and a handful of briny olives. Tossed together with croutons, shredded Parmesan, and a bold Italian-style dressing, it’s a salad that feels both familiar and flavorful.
This recipe offers the flexibility to serve it as a light lunch, a hearty appetizer, or a vibrant side dish to accompany pasta, grilled meats, or sandwiches. Its medley of textures and flavors works especially well with rich main courses, cutting through heavier dishes with a welcome brightness. And the best part? It comes together in minutes and requires no cooking at all.
Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just need a simple weeknight salad that’s a notch above ordinary, this bowl of fresh goodness will do the trick. You can use a homemade or store-bought Italian-style dressing — either way, the salad delivers crisp, restaurant-inspired flavor from your own kitchen.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 6 cups iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 3 roma tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup whole pepperoncini
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup large black olives
- 1 cup croutons
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Italian-style salad dressing (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- In a large serving bowl, combine the iceberg lettuce, shredded carrots, red cabbage, tomatoes, pepperoncini, red onion, and black olives.
- Add croutons and shredded Parmesan cheese on top.
- Just before serving, drizzle with your favorite Italian-style salad dressing.
- Gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately to preserve crunchiness.
Nutritional Notes & Dietary Considerations
This salad offers a great balance of fiber from the vegetables and healthy fats from the olives and dressing. The Parmesan adds a touch of protein and calcium, while the croutons bring texture and some extra carbs. For a lighter version, opt for low-fat cheese and dressing or skip the croutons. It’s vegetarian-friendly but not vegan due to the cheese. Be mindful of sodium levels from the olives, pepperoncini, and dressing, especially if you’re watching salt intake.
Sharing and Commenting is Caring
Did this salad remind you of your favorite restaurant dish? If you enjoyed it or added your own twist, we’d love to hear about it! Feel free to comment with your variations or share this recipe with a fellow salad lover. Your feedback keeps fresh ideas growing!