Description
Insalata Mista is a classic Italian mixed salad made with fresh greens, crisp vegetables, and a light vinaigrette. Quick to prepare, refreshing, and customizable, it’s the perfect side dish for pasta, pizza, or grilled meats.
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, romaine, or spring mix)
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots (optional)
- 1/4 cup black olives, pitted and sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar (or balsamic for sweeter taste)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or fresh herbs (optional)
- 1/2 tsp honey (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare vegetables: Wash and dry salad greens. Tear large leaves into bite-size pieces. Slice cucumber, chop tomato, and thinly slice onion and bell pepper. Shred carrots and slice olives if using.
- Make dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon (if using), salt, pepper, and oregano. Add honey for sweetness if desired.
- Assemble salad: In a large bowl, combine greens, cucumber, tomato, onion, bell pepper, carrots, olives, and basil (if using).
- Dress and serve: Just before serving, pour dressing over salad and toss gently to coat evenly. Serve immediately.
Notes
Add cheese like crumbled feta, mozzarella balls, or shaved Parmesan.Top with toasted nuts (pine nuts, walnuts) for crunch.Make it a main dish by adding grilled chicken, tuna, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs.Other veggies like radishes, avocado, or artichoke hearts work great too.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 recipe)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
