Description
The Big Yummy Italian Salad is a vibrant and flavorful salad combining crisp romaine lettuce, savory salami, and a medley of cheeses, complemented by pepperoncini and a homemade golden garlic panko topping. Tossed in a zesty dressing made with Castelvetrano olive oil and pepperoncini brine, this salad delivers a perfect balance of textures and bold Italian-inspired flavors in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 3-4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 12-15 pieces salami, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cubed Provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup DeLallo Sliced Mild Pepperoncini
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
Garlic Panko Topping
- 1 cup panko
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons DeLallo Castelvetrano Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt to taste
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons DeLallo Castelvetrano Extra Virgin Olive Oil (additional drizzle)
- 1-2 tablespoons pepperoncini brine
- About 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep Salad Ingredients: Chop the romaine lettuce, slice the salami into bite-sized pieces, cube the Provolone cheese, grate the Parmesan, slice the red onion thinly, and prepare the sliced mild pepperoncini. Gather all these salad components and set them aside.
- Make Golden Crispy Garlic Panko: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, 2 tablespoons of Castelvetrano olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Microwave for 1 minute, stir well, then microwave again for 20 to 40 seconds, until the panko is golden brown and crispy. Be cautious as it will be hot.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, add all the salad ingredients. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 to 2 tablespoons of pepperoncini brine, and sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss everything together until well combined and taste to adjust seasoning as needed.
- Finish with Garlic Panko: Finally, toss in the golden garlic panko breadcrumbs to the salad for a crunchy texture. Mix again gently to distribute the topping evenly. Serve immediately and enjoy the flavorful and textural contrasts.
Notes
- Use fresh, crisp romaine lettuce for the best texture.
- Adjust pepperoncini brine to taste depending on preferred tanginess.
- Microwaving the panko ensures a quick and easy crispy topping without frying.
- This salad is best served immediately to maintain crispness of the panko topping and lettuce.
- Salami can be substituted with other cured meats if desired.
