This Antipasti Dinner Salad is a vibrant blend of bold Italian flavors, featuring fresh mozzarella, savory salami, and briny olives, tossed with a simple vinaigrette. The toasted rustic bread adds a delightful crunch, making it a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights or a light dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 2 large cloves garlic, smashed
- 8 slices rustic Italian bread
- Kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 small head radicchio, thinly sliced
- 3 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 6 ounces deli-sliced hard salami or soppressata, cut into strips
- 10 to 15 fresh basil leaves, sliced if large
- 8 ounces small mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
- 20 cured black olives (e.g., kalamata or nicoise), pitted and halved
- 2 romaine lettuce hearts, halved lengthwise
Directions:
- Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Increase the heat to high, then add the bread in batches, toasting until golden on both sides. Set aside and season with salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, the remaining 5 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Add the radicchio, celery, salami, basil, mozzarella, and olives to the bowl. Toss until well-coated with the dressing.
- Place one romaine heart half on each plate. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the salad mixture onto each romaine wedge, drizzling any remaining dressing over the top. Serve with the toasted bread.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
This Antipasti Dinner Salad brings the best of Italian antipasto elements into a refreshing, versatile meal. Adjust the ingredients as needed for a personalized touch, and enjoy!
Exploring the Antipasti Dinner Salad: A Culinary Celebration
The Antipasti Dinner Salad is more than just a meal; it’s a vibrant medley of flavors that encapsulates the essence of Italian cuisine. Drawing from the traditional elements of antipasto, this salad transforms the classic appetizer into a hearty and satisfying dish. Combining bold ingredients like fresh mozzarella, savory salami, and briny olives with the crunch of toasted rustic bread, it is a perfect balance of textures and tastes. This dish is versatile enough for a quick weeknight dinner or as a show-stopping centerpiece for a casual gathering.
The Heart of Italian Cuisine in a Salad
Italian cuisine is celebrated for its simplicity, allowing high-quality ingredients to shine. The Antipasti Dinner Salad adheres to this philosophy, featuring components that are both familiar and robust in flavor.
- Fresh Mozzarella: Creamy and mild, mozzarella adds a delightful richness that balances the tangy and salty elements of the dish.
- Salami or Soppressata: These cured meats contribute a savory depth, their marbled textures providing an indulgent bite.
- Briny Olives: Whether you opt for Kalamata or Nicoise, the olives bring a bracing, salty intensity that complements the other flavors.
- Rustic Bread: The toasted bread not only adds a satisfying crunch but also serves as a base to soak up the vinaigrette, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.
A Symphony of Textures
One of the standout features of this recipe is its variety of textures. The radicchio’s slight bitterness and crispness contrast beautifully with the tender mozzarella and the chewy salami. Meanwhile, the romaine lettuce provides a refreshing crunch, while the toasted bread offers a hearty foundation. This interplay of textures is central to the dish’s appeal, ensuring each bite is a delightful surprise.
A Balanced Vinaigrette
The dressing for the Antipasti Dinner Salad is a simple yet impactful vinaigrette made from extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. This blend is enhanced by garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, creating a tangy and aromatic coating for the salad ingredients. The vinaigrette ties the diverse elements of the salad together, ensuring a cohesive flavor profile.
Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the strengths of this salad is its adaptability. It can be served as a light main course or a substantial side dish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a quick family meal, or simply looking to enjoy the flavors of Italy, this salad fits the bill. Its elegant presentation, with romaine lettuce halves acting as plates for the salad, elevates its aesthetic appeal without adding complexity to the preparation.
Customization and Variations
The Antipasti Dinner Salad lends itself well to customization. Here are some ideas to tailor the dish to your preferences:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the salami with marinated artichoke hearts or grilled eggplant for a meat-free version that’s equally delicious.
- Cheese Alternatives: While mozzarella is traditional, burrata or even a sharp provolone could add a unique twist.
- Additional Vegetables: Roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even pickled onions could enhance the salad with added sweetness or tang.
- Herbs and Seasonings: Fresh oregano or parsley could complement the basil for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutritional Highlights
This salad is not just delicious but also nutritious. With approximately 450 calories per serving, it provides a balanced meal rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber. The use of olive oil, a staple of the Mediterranean diet, adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while the fresh vegetables contribute vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Quick and Convenient
With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a cooking time of 5 minutes, the Antipasti Dinner Salad is ideal for busy lifestyles. Despite its simplicity, the dish feels indulgent, showcasing how a few quality ingredients can create a gourmet experience.
Conclusion: A Tribute to Italian Flavors
The Antipasti Dinner Salad is a culinary gem that celebrates the rich traditions of Italian antipasto in a fresh and modern format. Its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and satisfying textures make it a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick dinner or serving it at a gathering, this salad is a testament to the power of simple, high-quality ingredients. With its versatility and adaptability, it invites creativity while honoring the essence of Italian cuisine. A true crowd-pleaser, the Antipasti Dinner Salad deserves a place in your culinary repertoire.
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Antipasti Dinner Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
This Antipasti Dinner Salad is a vibrant blend of bold Italian flavors, featuring fresh mozzarella, savory salami, and briny olives, tossed with a simple vinaigrette. The toasted rustic bread adds a delightful crunch, making it a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights or a light dinner.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 2 large cloves garlic, smashed
- 8 slices rustic Italian bread
- Kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 small head radicchio, thinly sliced
- 3 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 6 ounces deli-sliced hard salami or soppressata, cut into strips
- 10 to 15 fresh basil leaves, sliced if large
- 8 ounces small mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
- 20 cured black olives (e.g., kalamata or nicoise), pitted and halved
- 2 romaine lettuce hearts, halved lengthwise
Instructions
- Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Increase the heat to high, then add the bread in batches, toasting until golden on both sides. Set aside and season with salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, the remaining 5 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Add the radicchio, celery, salami, basil, mozzarella, and olives to the bowl. Toss until well-coated with the dressing.
- Place one romaine heart half on each plate. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the salad mixture onto each romaine wedge, drizzling any remaining dressing over the top. Serve with the toasted bread.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
