Italian Mixed Salad

Ingredients

• 1 head lettuce (romaine, gem, or mixed greens), washed and torn
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cucumber, sliced or diced
• 1/2 small red onion or 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Optional additions:

• A handful of black olives
• A few fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 avocado, diced
• Shaved Parmesan or pecorino
• 1/2 can chickpeas, drained (adds protein)
• 1 small carrot, grated (for extra crunch and color)

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Instructions

1. Prep the vegetables

1. Wash and dry the lettuce. Tear into bite-size pieces.
2. Dice the tomatoes.
3. Slice or dice the cucumber.
4. Thinly slice the red onion or shallot.
5. If the onion is too sharp, soak the slices in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain.

2. Make the dressing

1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
2. Alternatively, add them directly to the salad — oil first, vinegar second, salt and pepper last.

3. Assemble

1. Combine all the vegetables in a large bowl.
2. Add any optional additions.
3. Pour the dressing over the top.
4. Toss gently with your hands or salad tongs until everything is coated.

4. Serve

1. Serve immediately — dressed salad wilts fast.
2. As a side for pasta, grilled meat, fish, or just with crusty bread and cheese.

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Tips

• Dress right before eating. Lettuce wilts within minutes of being dressed. Have everything else ready, then dress at the last moment.
• Good olive oil makes this salad. When you only have a few ingredients, quality matters. Use the best extra virgin olive oil you have.
• Soak the onion. Raw red onion can be harsh. Soaking in cold water for 5 minutes takes the edge off while keeping the crunch.
• Don’t overdress. The salad should glisten, not swim. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.

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Variations

Variation	Change	Notes
With tuna	Add 1 can drained tuna	Turns it into a light meal
Panzanella	Add 2 cups day-old bread, torn into chunks, soaked in water and squeezed dry	Tuscan bread salad, use more tomatoes
With mozzarella	Add 1 ball fresh mozzarella, torn	Capri-inspired
Citrus dressing	Replace balsamic with lemon juice, add 1 tsp Dijon mustard	Brighter and sharper

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Result

A simple, crisp, fresh salad with crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, cool cucumber, and a sharp bite of red onion — dressed with nothing more than good olive oil, balsamic, salt, and pepper. The way Italians have been doing it for generations. Simple is best.