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Italian Chopped Salad with Zesty Dressing

Italian Chopped Salad with Zesty Dressing is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing to create a deliciously satisfying meal. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a light lunch, this salad bursts with flavor and color. With its adaptability to various dietary needs, it’s an ideal choice for any occasion. Enjoy the delightful crunch of fresh produce paired with a zesty homemade dressing that elevates every bite!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (soaked in cold water)
  • 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), diced
  • ½ cup olives (black or green), halved
  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano and basil)
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse and dry all fresh produce. Chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Dice cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and slice red onion. Combine all veggies in a large bowl.
  3. Add olives and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl.
  4. For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), dried herbs, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad mix and gently toss until evenly coated. Let sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: Customize your salad by adding proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas. For extra crunch, consider including nuts or seeds. Store leftovers in an airtight container but keep the dressing separate to maintain freshness.