9 Secrets To A Remarkable Tossed Salad Recipe

I absolutely love this salad recipe because it’s a perfect blend of fresh, crisp veggies and rich flavors like feta and toasted pine nuts, making every bite incredibly satisfying. Plus, the homemade Italian dressing and fresh basil add a vibrant burst of flavor that’s both refreshing and uniquely delicious, perfect for any meal.

In my opinion, an outstanding mixed salad begins with lively, fresh ingredients. I use a combination of chopped romaine and red leaf lettuces as the base.

Freshness is increased with the addition of thinly sliced cucumber and halved cherry tomatoes. Feta cheese adds a creamy richness that is simply to die for.

It is a favorite of mine. And you just can’t beat the toasted pine nuts.

They add so much in terms of flavor, crunch, and nutrition. And the Italian dressing?

Perfection.

Ingredients

Romaine Lettuce: A low-calorie salad base that is high in water content and fiber.

– Nutrient-Dense and Antioxidant-Rich: Red leaf lettuce is as good for you as it is pretty.

It has a cornucopia of nutrients and plenty of antioxidants.

– Adds Color and Texture: Pretty much the only place color leaves, texture arrives in salads is with the greens themselves.

And red leaf lettuce is low-key fabulous in both departments.

– Cucumber: Contains a lot of water, perfect for hydration, and contributes a crunchy texture.

– Sweet and nutritious: Cherry tomatoes up your dish’s vitamin C and sweetness levels.

– Red Onion: Contributes a strong taste, is rich in antioxidants.

Feta Cheese: Provides protein and calcium, delivers creaminess and tang.

– Pine Nuts, Toasted: Add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor; super healthy, with many heart-healthy fats and oils that help keep arteries clear and more energy-dense than a standard mixed nut.

– Italian Dressing: Gives zesty seasoning, boosts global flavor profile.

– Basil: Add fragrance and freshness, wealth of antioxidants.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 head of red leaf lettuce, chopped
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
• 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought Italian dressing
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves

Instructions

1. Start by washing the romaine and red leaf lettuce under cold running water until you are confident that the leaves are clean. The leaves of these head lettuces are too firm to be thoroughly cleaned by the method you would typically use to clean loose-leaf lettuces. For those methods, you would typically use a bowl of clean water in which to swish the lettuce around to dislodge any dirt or insects.

2. Cut the romaine and red leaf lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Make sure they are all the same size so they have a consistent texture and flavor.

3. In a big salad bowl, mix together the chopped romaine and red leaf lettuce. This is your salad base.

4. Slice the cucumber thinly and add the slices to the bowl, distributing them evenly across the lettuce.

5. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and distribute them over the salad components in the bowl, so that with every mouthful, you will have an explosion of color and flavor.

6. Slice the red onion very thinly and add it to the salad for a sharp yet sweet contrast to the other fresh ingredients.

7. Evenly distribute the crumbled feta cheese over the salad, and let it rain down like confetti—if confetti were a rich, salty element that made the dish more exciting and flavorful.

8. In a dry skillet, over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until they are golden brown and fragrant. This should take only a few minutes, so pay attention; it’s easy to toast them too long and burn them. Once toasted, let the nuts cool for a short amount of time before adding them to the salad for the final preparation.

9. Pour the Italian dressing onto the salad, using as much or as little as desired to taste, and toss the salad gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.

10. Complete the salad by showering it with the chopped fresh basil leaves. This gives the salad a bright, herbaceous flavor that’s even more intense than the tomatoes. Toss it one last time, and serve.

Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board
2. Chef’s knife
3. Salad spinner or colander
4. Large salad bowl
5. Skillet
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Measuring cups
8. Small bowl (for cooling pine nuts)
9. Salad servers or tongs

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?A: Yes, lovely substitutes can be found in goat cheese or blue cheese, which also share that dreamy creamy texture.
• Q: How do I toast pine nuts?You should toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for approximately 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden brown.
• Q: Can the salad be made ahead of time?Yes, it is best to add the dressing and pine nuts just before serving to keep the salad crisp.
• Q: Is there a substitute for fresh basil?You can use basil that is dried but limit the amount to 1 tablespoon, as herbs that are dried are more concentrated.
• Q: What can I use instead of Italian dressing?A: One can mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make a simple, fresh, and healthy vinaigrette that can stand on its own as a dressing.
• Q: How do I keep the lettuce fresh in the salad?A: Keep the chopped lettuce in a container that won’t let air in, and add a paper towel to soak up any excess moisture.

Substitutions and Variations

Use spinach or arugula for a different flavor and texture instead of romaine lettuce.
Replace red leaf lettuce with butter lettuce or kale for a heartier bite.
Substitute zucchini slices for cucumber, and you have a slightly different crunch.
Switch out feta cheese for goat cheese or shredded Parmesan for a creamy alternative.
Replace the pine nuts with toasted almonds or walnuts for a nutty spin.

Pro Tips

1. Chill the Salad Bowl Before mixing your salad, chill the salad bowl in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes. A cold bowl will help keep your salad crisp and refreshing.

2. Pat the Lettuce Dry After washing the lettuce, make sure to dry it thoroughly with a salad spinner or by patting it with paper towels. Excess moisture can water down the dressing and affect the texture of your salad.

3. Layer the Ingredients For more visual appeal and an even distribution of flavors, layer the salad ingredients in your bowl. Start with the lettuce as a base, and then create sections for each topping; this way, each serving gets a bit of everything.

4. Use Fresh Italian Dressing If possible, opt for a homemade Italian dressing. Freshly made dressing will have more vibrant flavors and allow you to control the seasoning to perfectly suit your taste.

5. Add a Citrus Zing Just before serving, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the salad. The citrus will elevate the flavors, adding a bright, tangy note that complements the feta and fresh veggies.