Italian Salad with Olive Oil

This is the most simple salad and I find people who are not used to Italian culture prefer a standard vegetable salad. But when I was in Italy this is how it was done and it is the simplicity of the salad that I am after. If you want a garden salad then go ahead and do so. You can also give the salad different twists by adding kalamative olives or sprinkling romano cheese on top.

 
Recipe Details - Serving for 4 Click Here to See Printable Recipe
     
  Ingredients Italian Name
  10 oz. organic mixed salad greens (as long as it's not iceberg, you don't want crunchy). insalata
  First cold pressed extra virgin olive oil (if you don't have first cold press that's ok, use what you have, don't stress about it. This is just my preference). olio extra vergine di oliva
  Red wine vinegar (optional) vinigar di vino rosso
  Dash of kosher salt (option but enhances flavor) sale
Garlic clove l'aglio
 
 
Instructions
1. Wash your hands. Then rinse the salad mix very well. Let dry. I use paper towels to squeeze dry the salad.
2. Slice the garlic clove in half or smash it and rub the sides of the salad bowl with it thoroughly.
3. (I toss the remaining clove in the boiling water for the pasta so my husband can eat it later. Garlic is very healthy for you.
4. Pour olive oil over the salad mix. I just pour it a few time around the bowl about 3 tablespoons. This is completely up to you. My husband likes less, I like more.
5. Add a little bit of the red wine vinegar. This is optional and you do not have to use it.
6. Add a dash of kosher salt .
7. Mix it all very well and make sure to get the salad to rub the sides which will pick up a slight garlic flavor.
8. Serve and eat it all. Do not use as left overs.
 
Tip #1: If concerned about little bugs in the salad, especially if you grow your own, soak the salad in salted water then rinse well. The salt will kill the bugs.
 
Tip #2: I often put the olive oil and vinegar on the table so people can add extra if they want it to suit their tastes.
 
Tip #3: I noticed in Europe many people eat their salads "after" the main dish. I tend to do this myself because the salad helps my stomach digest the food better.
 
   
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