Simple Italian Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette

Simple Italian Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette is designed to complement crisp sesame grissini, while still standing on its own as a practical recipe or entertaining guide. For example, this Italian salad uses fresh ingredients and straightforward preparation to deliver clean flavor and quick assembly.

About this Italian salad

This salad balances crunchy greens, ripe tomatoes, cool cucumber, and briny olives. Additionally, a simple vinaigrette brightens the vegetables without masking them. Therefore, it works well for lunch, appetizers, or casual gatherings.

Why it pairs with grissini

Dry greens and dressing added immediately before serving keep the salad crisp. The breadsticks add crunch without overwhelming the main flavors. Next, grissini are slender and light, so they complement rather than compete with the salad.

Ingredients

• 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 2 ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup olives
• 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan, optional
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 small garlic clove, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

1. Wash and thoroughly dry the romaine and vegetables.
2. Whisk olive oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic, and oregano with salt and pepper until combined.
3. Combine romaine, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and olives in a large bowl.
4. Toss with just enough vinaigrette to coat. Add Parmesan and serve with grissini.

Serving suggestions

Arrange the grissini in a tall glass or lay them beside the dish immediately before serving. First, keep dips thick enough to cling to the breadsticks. Next, offer small plates or napkins because the slender breadsticks can scatter crumbs. Finally, add fresh herbs or seasonal produce for color and contrast.

Make-ahead guidance

Prepare cooked dishes and dips ahead, then refrigerate them in covered containers. However, salads should be dressed at the last minute to preserve texture. Assemble cheese boards shortly before serving, and keep the grissini separate until guests arrive so they remain dry and crisp.

Storage

Refrigerate perishable leftovers promptly, and use them within three to four days. Store grissini separately at room temperature in an airtight container. For more serving ideas and the matching breadsticks, see the sesame grissini recipe on The Nutrient. Additionally, visit The Nutrient homepage for related recipes and tips.