This is my go-to salad when I am wanting something quick and flavorful. It is easy to put together and just as easy to customize. I often make it without the chicken and serve it alongside pasta dishes like lasagna or stuffed shells.
Don't skip the homemade Creamy Italian dressing in this recipe, it is the star of this recipe and ties everything together beautifully.
What makes this Simple Italian Salad so special is the combination of fresh, flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully:
- Lettuce- Romaine or iceberg work wonderfully.
- Tomatoes- I typically go for grape or cherry tomatoes, but any kind will work.
- Olives- Choose green or black olives (or both!) for a briny, tangy bite.
- Red Onions- Thinly sliced red onions bring a sharp fresh flavor.
- Pepperoncini- These tangy, slightly spicy peppers add a nice touch.
- Croutons- Crunchy croutons provide texture and soak up the creamy dressing.
- Grilled Chicken Breast- Perfectly seasoned and grilled chicken turns this salad into a hearty meal. You can opt for pan searing or baking chicken.
- Homemade Creamy Italian Dressing- This dressing pulls it all together.
- Chicken- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
Creating this Italian Salad is quick and easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
STEP 1
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season on both sides. Grill, pan sear or bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from the pan and set on a cutting board to rest for 10 minutes, then cut into strips or dice. Set aside.
STEP 2
In a bowl or glass jar combine all of the Creamy Italian Dressing ingredients. Stir, or shake, well to combine.
STEP 3
Place all of the salad ingredients in a bowl, drizzle with the homemade Creamy Italian Dressing, toss and serve. Enjoy!
- It’s versatile – perfect as a main dish or a side.
- The homemade creamy Italian dressing is packed with flavor and comes together in minutes.
- It’s customizable – adjust the toppings to fit your taste or use what you have on hand.
- It’s quick and easy – perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Swap the vinegar in the dressing for red wine vinegar or white vinegar.
Add chopped artichoke hearts or other vegetables like shredded carrots or chopped cucumbers.
Skip the chicken if you are serving this Italian Salad as a side salad.
Swap the chicken for chopped salami or turkey.
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📖 Recipe
Simple Italian Salad
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 cups lettuce
- 1 cup tomatoes chopped
- ½ cup olives (green or black) sliced
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
- 2-3 pepperoncini sliced
- as needed croutons
Creamy Italian Dressing
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar plus 1 teaspoon
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons mayo
- 1 ½ teaspoons grated parmesan cheese plus more for garnishing the finished salads
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1-2 pinches red pepper flakes
- to taste pepper
- ¼ teaspoon honey or sugar
- ½ teaspoon italian seasoning
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine the ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of pepper, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Stir well.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season on both sides with the spice mixture. Grill, pan sear or bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from the pan and set on a cutting board to rest for 10 minutes, then cut into strips or dice. Set aside.
- In a bowl or glass jar combine all of the Creamy Italian Dressing ingredients. Stir, or shake, well to combine.
- Place all of the salad ingredients in a bowl, drizzle with the homemade Creamy Italian Dressing, toss and serve. Garnish with additional grated parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Anonymous says
Great recipe! The dressing is so good.