Italian Salad Recipe

Prepare greens and vegetables

Wash and thoroughly dry the romaine or mixed greens; chop or tear into bite-sized pieces and place in a large salad bowl. Dice the tomato into 1/2-inch pieces and add to the bowl. Thinly slice half a small red onion and add to the bowl.

Prepare eggs

If eggs are not already cooked: place 2 large eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water by 1 inch, bring to a boil over medium-high heat. When water boils, turn off heat and cover pan; let sit 9–11 minutes for firm yolks. Transfer eggs to an ice bath for 5 minutes, peel, and quarter. Add quartered eggs to the salad bowl.

Fold or cube the provolone and Swiss cheeses into approx. 1/2-inch pieces. Arrange or toss the pepperoni and salami slices so they’re evenly distributed. Add all meats and cheeses to the salad bowl.

Drain and rinse 1 cup canned garbanzo beans; shake off excess water. Drain jarred roasted red peppers and slice into julienne strips. Add chickpeas and roasted peppers to the salad bowl and gently toss to combine with the other ingredients.

Make the dressing

In a small bowl or jar combine 3 tbs extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbs red wine vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1/2 tsp honey or sugar if using. Whisk or shake vigorously until emulsified and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more salt, pepper or vinegar to preference.

Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad (start with about 3/4 of the dressing and reserve the rest). Gently toss the salad to coat all ingredients evenly. Add more dressing sparingly if needed—this salad should be well-coated but not soggy.

Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top. If using, serve with crusty bread or crostini on the side. Taste and adjust final seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Divide the salad between 2 plates or serve family-style. Leftover dressing can be refrigerated up to 3 days; toss the salad just before serving if storing assembled.