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Italian Salad for Hot Nights Recipe
Delilah Cooks

Italian Salad for Hot Nights Recipe

Italian salad for hot nights recipe is the perfect meal when the weather feels warm and heavy. This Italian salad for hot nights recipe combines crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, creamy mozzarella, and a light homemade dressing.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 290
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups romaine lettuce chopped
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cucumber sliced
  • 1 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
  • 1/2 cup black olives
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 avocado diced
  • 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts

Method
 

Cooking Instructions for Italian Salad for Hot Nights
    Wash the Fresh Vegetables
    1. Rinse all vegetables carefully under cool water. Dry them completely. Crisp and dry greens help the dressing coat everything more evenly.
    Chop the Lettuce
    1. Cut the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped greens into a large serving bowl for easy mixing later.
    Slice the Tomatoes and Cucumber
    1. Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the cucumber. These fresh ingredients bring color, texture, and refreshing flavor to the finished salad.
    Prepare the Onion and Avocado
    1. Thinly slice the red onion and dice the avocado. Keep the avocado pieces slightly large so they stay firm while mixing.
    Add Cheese and Olives
    1. Place the mozzarella balls and black olives into the salad bowl. Their rich flavors balance the crisp and juicy vegetables.
    Make the Homemade Dressing
    1. Combine olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Whisk until the dressing becomes smooth and well blended.
    Add Fresh Herbs
    1. Tear the basil leaves by hand instead of cutting them. This method preserves their fragrance and keeps the flavor fresh and vibrant.
    Toss the Salad Gently
    1. Pour the dressing over the ingredients. Toss everything carefully with salad tongs so the vegetables remain crisp and attractive.
    Add Final Toppings
    1. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts over the salad. These ingredients add savory flavor and pleasant crunch before serving.
    Serve Immediately
    1. Bring the salad to the table right away. Fresh salads taste best when served immediately after tossing with the homemade dressing.

    Notes

    • Use ripe and fresh tomatoes.
    • Dry lettuce completely after washing.
    • Chill ingredients before assembling.
    • Toast pine nuts for deeper flavor.
    • Tear basil leaves by hand.
    • Add avocado just before serving.
    • Use high-quality olive oil.
    • Taste the dressing before mixing.
    • Avoid over-tossing the salad.
    • Serve on chilled plates during summer.