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
Scale
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.
