If you’re craving a salad that bursts with vibrant flavors and a luscious texture, look no further than this Creamy Italian Dressing & Salad Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of crisp romaine, fresh vegetables, and a homemade creamy Italian dressing that marries tangy, sweet, and herbaceous notes in every bite. Perfect for quick lunches, dinner sides, or even a light meal, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create an irresistible salad that feels both fresh and indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward yet flavorful ingredients is the secret to making this Creamy Italian Dressing & Salad Recipe truly come alive. Each one plays a crucial role, from the crisp romaine adding crunch to the zesty vinegar giving the dressing its signature tang. Let’s break down what you’ll need to make this dish sing.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Provides the rich, creamy base that holds the dressing together beautifully.
- 3 Tbsp milk: Thins the dressing just enough for a smooth, pourable consistency.
- 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar: Adds a sharp, tangy brightness to cut through the creaminess.
- 1 Tbsp sugar: Balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness for harmony.
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that infuses the dressing with classic Italian flair.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Boosts the savoriness without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Enhances every ingredient and rounds out the dressing.
- 1 (9-oz) bag chopped romaine lettuce: The crunchy, fresh backbone of the salad.
- 1 cup sliced seedless cucumbers: Adds a cool, refreshing crispness.
- 1 cup purchased croutons: Bring a satisfying crunch and buttery flavor.
- ½ cup banana pepper rings: Offer a lively, mild tang and subtle heat.
- ½ cup grape or cherry tomatoes (halved): Juicy bursts of sweetness and color.
- ¼ cup shaved parmesan cheese: A savory, nutty finish that ties everything together.
How to Make Creamy Italian Dressing & Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Dressing
Start by combining the mayonnaise, milk, red wine vinegar, sugar, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in a bowl. Whisk them vigorously until everything is smoothly blended. Then season with salt and pepper to taste. This homemade dressing is the heart of the salad, enveloping each bite with creamy and zesty goodness.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base
Grab a large salad bowl and toss in the chopped romaine lettuce, sliced cucumbers, croutons, banana pepper rings, halved grapes or cherry tomatoes, and shaved parmesan cheese. Each ingredient adds a textural contrast and bursts of flavor so your salad never feels one-dimensional.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Drizzle some of your freshly made creamy Italian dressing over the salad. Gently toss it to ensure every leaf and bite is coated. Add more dressing gradually, tossing as you go, until the salad is dressed just as you like it. Don’t worry if you have a bit of dressing left over—it’s perfect for storing and enjoying another day.
How to Serve Creamy Italian Dressing & Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of flair and flavor, sprinkle a few more shaved parmesan curls and a handful of freshly cracked black pepper on top just before serving. You can even add a few fresh basil leaves or chopped fresh parsley to brighten the plate and add a herby aroma that complements the Italian seasoning.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Italian Dressing & Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish to make a wholesome meal. It also harmonizes with Italian dishes like pasta, meatballs, or even a hearty slice of garlic bread. The creamy tanginess of the dressing is the ideal foil for rich or smoky flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress your guests or simply treat yourself, serve the salad in chilled glass bowls or individual mason jars layered with the ingredients for a charming, portable presentation. Another fun idea is to stuff the dressed salad into crisp endive leaves for bite-sized appetizers bursting with creamy, fresh, and tangy flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover salad components can be stored separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness—keep the dressing in its own jar and the veggies in another. This way, you can toss together a fresh salad quickly without soggy greens.
Freezing
Since fresh vegetables and creamy dressing don’t freeze well together, avoid freezing this salad. However, you can freeze the dressing itself if sealed tightly, then thaw gently in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before use. It keeps for up to one month frozen.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If served alongside warm dishes, simply refrigerate the salad and dressing separately and assemble just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Absolutely! While romaine provides a great crunch and mild flavor, spinach, arugula, or a mixed green blend can give your salad a different texture and taste experience. Just be mindful that some greens are more delicate and dress more quickly.
Is there a dairy-free version of the dressing?
Yes, you can swap out mayonnaise for a vegan version and use a plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk to maintain creaminess. Just make sure to check that your parmesan substitute or omission fits your dietary needs.
How long does this dressing last in the fridge?
Your homemade creamy Italian dressing will keep well in the refrigerator for about 5 to 7 days when stored in a sealed container. Always give it a quick stir before using since ingredients may settle.
Can I make this salad vegan?
By using vegan mayonnaise and skipping or substituting the parmesan cheese with a plant-based alternative, you can enjoy a vegan-friendly version of this salad that’s just as flavorful and satisfying.
What can I add for extra protein?
Grilled chicken, sliced hard-boiled eggs, chickpeas, or even roasted nuts like almonds or walnuts can boost the protein content of your salad, making it a heartier meal without compromising the bright, fresh flavors of the Creamy Italian Dressing & Salad Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Italian Dressing & Salad Recipe is truly one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again, thanks to its effortless prep and irresistible flavor. It’s the perfect way to enjoy fresh veggies in a creamy, tangy embrace that feels both comforting and refreshing. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Print
Creamy Italian Dressing & Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Italian Dressing & Salad recipe features a quick and flavorful homemade dressing paired with a fresh, crunchy mix of romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, banana peppers, croutons, and parmesan cheese. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal or side, this salad is ready in just 15 minutes and serves six people.
Ingredients
Dressing Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 Tbsp milk
- 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Salad Ingredients
- 1 (9-oz) bag chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup sliced seedless cucumbers
- 1 cup purchased croutons
- ½ cup banana pepper rings
- ½ cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup shaved parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, milk, red wine vinegar, sugar, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in a bowl until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to your taste preference to create a creamy and tangy dressing base.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, sliced cucumbers, croutons, banana pepper rings, halved grape or cherry tomatoes, and shaved parmesan cheese. Mix gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Toss with Dressing: Add a few spoonfuls of the prepared dressing to the salad and toss lightly to coat all ingredients. Continue adding dressing gradually and toss after each addition until the salad is dressed to your liking. Some leftover dressing may remain.
Notes
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
- Adjust the sugar quantity based on your desired sweetness level.
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese if available for enhanced flavor.
- Leftover dressing can be refrigerated and used within 3-4 days.
