I chose to include this recipe for an Italian green salad even though it is so ridiculously simple. The reason why is because Italian cooking is supposed to be simple and not complicated, and this salad is a perfect example.
Use it for a side dish, or as we did in Italy by making a huge batch and making it your main dish for a late dinner!
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I grew up where a salad was always a vegetable salad – meaning it had cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, and anything else you had. But in Italy, the best salad I had used simply lettuce and olive oil as the main ingredients.
I’m so excited to share this recipe with you.
Recipe Summary
There isn’t much to say about this recipe because it’s so easy to make. When in Italy visiting family, we sat down for the typical late night dinner and and I was served a huge helping of greens.
Not what I was expecting!
So, I took a bite graciously and was floored at how amazing it tasted. I ate every bite and more! I never tasted such a delicious and simple salad again until I started my own journey of Italian cooking. It was then I was able to properly reproduce the salad the best I could, despite never been told how they made it.
Ingredients
- Salad greens. I recommend avoiding overly crunch lettuce, and stick to loose leaf varieties.
- Extra virgin olive oil first cold press. It’s very important to use a high quality olive oil that has great flavor.
- Garlic.
- Salt. this is optional, but I completely recommend it. Do not use table salt! It should be coarse salt like Pink Himalayan or other.
Pro Tip: I cannot stress enough the importance of quality ingredients, especially the olive oil. Always use extra virgin first cold press olive oil as it holds a heck of a lot more flavor than standard pure olive oil.
Spend the extra few dollars, it is well worth it for recipes like these.
How to Make a Simple Italian Green Salad
Here are the steps for making this easy salad. Exact measurements are further down in the post – remember the quantities are completely flexible.
Watch my YouTube video (also below) that steps you through the process.
Step 1. Rinse the lettuce very well. Let dry. I use paper towels or salad spinner to squeeze dry the salad.
Step 2. Slice the garlic clove in half and rub the sides of the salad bowl with it thoroughly.
Pro Tip: 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.
Step 3. Pour the olive oil over the salad. If unsure of the quantity, especially if making a larger salad for a group, I’d add enough olive oil that you can pour it around the salad at least 3 to 5 times.
Remember this is a heavy olive oil salad. However, this is completely up to you. My husband likes less, I like more.
Step 4. Add a dash of coarse salt. If you use table salt it will be way too salty.
Step 5. Mix it all very well and make sure to get the salad to rub the sides which will pick up a slight garlic flavor.
Step 6. Serve and eat it all. Do not use as left overs.
Modifications & Tips
You can make any adjustments to this recipe that you want. Eat it as is, or use it for a base. Here are some additional ideas.
- Add halved olives such as kalamata or green olives.
- Add some chopped apples
- Sprinkle some Italian cheese like Romano over the top. You can cut back on the salt if you do this.
- Add a dash of red wine (or other) vinegar
- Add roasted nuts, such as my recipe for garlic roasted pecans for extra flavor. this is delicious!
Recipe Video
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Green Salad
Ingredients
- 1 garlic clove
- 10 oz loose leaf salad greens
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- coarse salt
Instructions
- Rinse the lettuce very well. Let dry. I use paper towels or salad spinner to squeeze dry the salad.10 oz loose leaf salad greens
- Slice the garlic clove in half and rub the sides of the salad bowl with it thoroughly.1 garlic clove
- Pro Tip: 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.
- Pour the olive oil over the salad. If unsure of the quantity, especially if making a larger salad for a group, I'd add enough olive oil that you can pour it around the salad at least 3 to 5 times.3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Remember this is a heavy olive oil salad. However, this is completely up to you. My husband likes less, I like more.
- Add a dash of coarse salt. If you use table salt it will be way too salty.coarse salt
- Mix it all very well and make sure to get the salad to rub the sides which will pick up a slight garlic flavor.
- Serve and eat it all. Do not use as left overs.
Notes
Nutrition
Additional Salads You May Enjoy
If you enjoy salads, you can also try my other Italian summer salad recipes.
Italian Cannellini Bean Salad – Although there are no greens, this salad is healthy and easy to make!
This tortellini Italian pasta salad is loaded with flavor and so easy to make!
Chickpeas are full of healthy protein and nutrients. See how to make chickpea salad in no time!
Let me know in the comments below if you enjoy this recipe or have your own family tips! Thanks!
Liz
Hey. I like your writing style as much as your recipes. Made this sale tonite and served it with breaded herbed chicken cutlets and mash garlic potatoes and a sprig or two of rosemary on the plate.
My wife loved it. Me to Thanks
I like the ease, simplicity and taste! I didn’t miss the usual veggies in a salad; it really satisfied my salad craving! I did add fresh grated parmesan cheese. Love the recipe.
Thanks you! I am so glad you liked the recipe!