Description
A vibrant and flavorful Big Yummy Italian Salad featuring crisp romaine, zesty pepperoncini, savory salami, and golden garlic panko crisps. Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad combines textures and bold Italian flavors for a satisfying meal or side dish.
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
Panko Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 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 (drizzle)
- 1-2 tablespoons pepperoncini brine (splash)
- About 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (a few shakes)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep Salad Ingredients: Chop the romaine lettuce, salami, Provolone cheese, red onion, and prepare the sliced pepperoncini. Ensure everything is bite-sized for easy mixing and eating.
- Make Golden Crispy Garlic Panko: In a bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Microwave the mixture for 1 minute, stir well, then microwave again for 20-40 seconds until the panko turns golden and crispy. Be careful—the mixture will be hot, so do not taste immediately.
- Mix and Toss the Salad: In a large bowl, add all the salad ingredients. Drizzle with olive oil, add the pepperoncini brine, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss thoroughly to combine and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Add Panko Crispies: Finish by adding the golden, crispy panko topping to the salad. Give it a final gentle toss to distribute the crispies evenly, adding a delightful crunch and garlic flavor to your salad.
Notes
- For extra crunch, use fresh panko and toast it carefully to avoid burning.
- You can substitute Provolone with mozzarella or another mild cheese if preferred.
- The pepperoncini brine adds tanginess, so adjust quantity according to your taste.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy texture of the panko.
- This salad is perfect as a light meal or a flavorful side dish.
