Description
A vibrant and hearty Extra Large Italian Salad combining crisp romaine, savory salami, cheesy provolone, and zesty pepperoncini with a golden garlic panko crunch, all tossed in a tangy Italian-inspired dressing for an easy, flavorful meal in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Base
- 3-4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 12-15 pieces salami, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cubed cheese like Provolone
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup DeLallo Sliced Mild Pepperoncini
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
Garlic Panko Crispies
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons DeLallo Castelvetrano Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt, to taste
Dressing and Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons DeLallo Castelvetrano Extra Virgin Olive Oil (additional drizzle)
- 1-2 tablespoons pepperoncini brine (splash)
- About 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (a few shakes)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep Salad Stuff: Chop all your salad vegetables, salami, cheese, and other ingredients into bite-sized pieces to prepare them for mixing.
- Make Golden Crispy Garlic Panko: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder and 2 tablespoons of Castelvetrano Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Microwave on high for 1 minute, stir well, then microwave again for an additional 20 to 40 seconds until the panko is golden and crispy. Be cautious as it will be hot. Season with salt to taste.
- Toss with No-Recipe Dressing: Place all the chopped salad ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with the additional 3 tablespoons of olive oil, a splash of pepperoncini brine, and a few shakes of Italian seasoning. Add salt and pepper according to your preference. Toss everything thoroughly to combine and taste to adjust seasoning if necessary. Finally, gently fold in the golden crispy garlic panko breadcrumbs for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately for the best taste and crunch.
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast the panko carefully in the microwave, stirring halfway to prevent burning.
- Adjust pepperoncini brine amount to control the tanginess of the dressing.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crisp texture of the panko.
- Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor impact.
- Feel free to swap salami with another Italian cured meat like pepperoni or capicola.
