I used to think of salad as an afterthought until I started making it the way Dom DeLuise approached Italian food — with bold ingredients, a generous hand, and real attention to every component on the plate.
A great Italian salad is so much more than lettuce and dressing when you take the time to build it properly with the right combination of flavors and textures.
A lot of homemade versions play it too safe and end up missing that vibrant, satisfying quality that makes a well-made Italian salad worth looking forward to.
This recipe walks you through every element so yours comes out fresh, bold, and full of character.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Dom DeLuise style Italian salad is fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. It’s the perfect balance to richer dishes, adding brightness and crunch to your meal.
It’s also highly customizable. You can add or swap ingredients based on your preferences, making it a versatile recipe that works for any occasion.
Serves: 4 people
This recipe makes enough salad for four servings, making it ideal as a side dish or a light meal.
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup black or green olives
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup croutons
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Pro Tips
Use fresh, crisp lettuce for the best texture. Romaine works especially well because it holds up to the dressing.
Slice vegetables evenly so every bite has a balanced mix of ingredients. This improves both texture and flavor.
Make the dressing fresh for the best taste. Simple ingredients come together beautifully when mixed just before serving.
Add croutons right before serving to keep them crunchy. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
Toss the salad gently to evenly coat all ingredients without bruising the lettuce.
Chill the ingredients before assembling for an extra refreshing salad experience.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large salad bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing spoon
Substitutions and Variations
You can use mixed greens instead of romaine for a different texture and flavor. It adds variety.
Add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to turn this into a full meal. It becomes more filling.
Use feta or mozzarella instead of Parmesan for a different flavor profile. Each cheese adds its own twist.
Add bell peppers or artichoke hearts for extra flavor and color. These ingredients enhance the salad.
For a creamier dressing, add a small amount of mayonnaise or yogurt. This changes the texture slightly but works well.
Make Ahead Tips
This Dom DeLuise style Italian salad is incredibly easy to prepare ahead, making it a great option for busy days, gatherings, or meal prep. With just a little planning, you can have everything ready to assemble in minutes.
Start by washing and chopping all your vegetables in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and crisp. Romaine lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes hold up well when prepped ahead.
The dressing can also be made in advance and stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to three days. Give it a good shake before using to recombine the ingredients.
If you’re planning to serve the salad later, wait to add the dressing and croutons until just before serving. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy and keeps everything fresh and crunchy.
For gatherings, you can even assemble the salad (without dressing) a few hours ahead of time and keep it chilled until ready to serve.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and dry the romaine lettuce thoroughly. Chop it into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl.
Step 2: Slice the Ingredients
Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, cut the cucumber into thin slices, and slice the red onion. Prepare all ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Add Ingredients to Bowl
Add the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and olives to the bowl with the lettuce. This builds the base of the salad.
Step 4: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix or shake until well combined.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Croutons
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and croutons over the salad. These add flavor and texture.
Step 6: Toss the Salad
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Make sure everything is evenly coated.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed. Add a pinch of salt or extra dressing if desired.
Step 8: Serve
Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and best texture. Enjoy this crisp and flavorful dish
Serving Suggestions
This Italian salad pairs beautifully with a wide variety of dishes, making it an incredibly versatile addition to your table. It’s a perfect companion to classic Italian meals like pasta, lasagna, or baked ziti, where its freshness balances out the richness of those dishes.
It also works wonderfully alongside grilled meats such as chicken, steak, or fish. The crisp vegetables and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to smoky, savory flavors.
For a lighter meal, serve this salad on its own with added protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. This turns it into a satisfying main dish.
You can also serve it as part of a larger spread with sandwiches, soups, or appetizers. It adds color, texture, and freshness to any meal.
Leftovers and Storage
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to one day. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
If possible, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving. This helps keep the vegetables crisp and prevents sogginess.
Avoid storing the salad with croutons already mixed in, as they will lose their crunch. Add them fresh when serving.
If the salad has already been dressed, you can refresh it by adding a handful of fresh lettuce or vegetables before serving again.
For best quality, prepare only what you plan to eat immediately.
Nutrition and Benefits
- This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals thanks to its variety of fresh vegetables.
- Olive oil provides healthy fats that support heart health.
- Making your own dressing allows you to control ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives.
- Adding protein can turn this into a balanced, complete meal.
- It’s a light yet satisfying dish that complements heavier meals perfectly.
Recipe FAQ
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead, but add dressing and croutons just before serving.
What other greens can I use?
You can use mixed greens, spinach, or arugula for a different flavor and texture.
Can I add protein?
Absolutely. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or beans work very well.
How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
Add dressing right before serving and keep croutons separate until the last minute.
Can I use a different dressing?
Yes, you can use store-bought Italian dressing or experiment with your own variations.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, you can adjust ingredients to suit kids’ tastes by using milder vegetables.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
A Fresh and Flavorful Classic
Once you make an Italian salad this way, it’s going to stop feeling like a side dish and start feeling like a course worth looking forward to on its own.
That combination of crisp vegetables, savory toppings, and a bold, tangy dressing creates something that brings the whole table to life before the main course even arrives.
I love making this alongside pasta or a hearty Italian sandwich because it balances the meal in a way that feels complete and deeply satisfying.
Fresh, vibrant, and made with the generous spirit Dom DeLuise always brought to the table. I hope it becomes a beloved part of your Italian dinner spread.
