Description
Bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this antipasti dinner salad delivers a symphony of tastes from Italy’s culinary landscape. Crisp greens mingle with zesty olives, marinated artichokes, and savory cured meats, creating a delightful ensemble you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 6 ounces (170 grams) deli-sliced hard salami or soppressata, cut into strips
- 8 ounces (226 grams) small mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
Vegetables and Greens:
- 1 small head radicchio, thinly sliced
- 3 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 2 romaine lettuce hearts, halved lengthwise
- 10 to 15 fresh basil leaves, sliced if large
- 20 cured black olives (such as kalamata or nicoise), pitted and halved
Dressing and Bread:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) red wine vinegar
- 2 large cloves garlic, smashed
- 8 slices rustic Italian bread
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, introducing minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic, approximately 1 minute.
- Elevate heat to high and toast bread cubes in batches, rotating to achieve golden-brown coloration on all surfaces. Sprinkle with salt once completed.
- Construct vinaigrette by vigorously whisking red wine vinegar, remaining olive oil, salt, and freshly cracked pepper in a spacious mixing vessel.
- Incorporate radicchio, celery, salami strips, fresh basil leaves, mozzarella chunks, and briny olives into the dressing, gently coating each ingredient.
- Arrange romaine halves individually on serving plates, delicately drizzling with additional olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Cascade prepared salad mixture atop romaine wedges, ensuring even distribution and drizzling residual vinaigrette for maximum flavor intensity. Accompany with crisp toasted bread cubes.
Notes
- Toast bread in batches to ensure even golden color and crispy texture without overcrowding the skillet.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients like artisanal mozzarella and premium salami for enhanced flavor profile.
- Adjust olive oil quantity based on personal preference or dietary needs, using extra virgin olive oil for richer taste.
- Customize salad by substituting salami with grilled chicken or plant-based protein for vegetarian-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1100 mg
- Fat: 50 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg