Italian Side Salad: Easy and Satisfying Recipe

I am a firm believer that every meal should have some sort of vegetable component. I can also eat salad every single day, so if I am making a heavy pasta dish, you know I will be making this Italian side salad too.

This simple Italian side salad is the perfect accompaniment to those pasta dishes that are cheesy, creamy, and delicious. It’s the perfect way to pretend you are still erring on the side of healthy and eating intuitively. I like to make this salad while my baked ravioli or my cheesy pizza is finishing up in the oven.

The timing is perfect because with a little chopping and quick shake of a jar, you have a delicious Italian side salad with a fresh dressing right in time for the main course to come out of the oven. What could be better? So make this with your pasta creation next time and enjoy a little salad to make your meal that much better.

Serves 6 small portions.

Ingredients:

4 cups of lettuce, a mix of romaine and butter lettuce is nice, but your favorite mixed lettuces will work.

1 shallot, sliced thinly

2 persian cucumbers, sliced

1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup of black olives, chopped

1/4 cup Italian dressing, store bought or homemade

1/4 cup shaved parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except for the parmesan cheese. Pour over as much dressing as desired and toss to mix. Top with parmesan cheese and serve with extra dressing on the side.