Our Family’s Favorite Salad
Last week, I feel like Barclay and I took a very important step forward together in our relationship.
I introduced him to my family…
…’s favorite salad. ;)
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Knowing his obsession already with big green salads (the guy amazingly chooses them more often than I do) and artichokes (hands-down one of his all-time favorite foods), I figured this one wouldn’t be a stretch. But still. This salad is a verrrrry important part of our family, showing up at nearly every extended family gathering, always being made in a huge batch so that everyone can return for seconds, and near and dear to every single family member’s heart. So I needed to know they would get along great.
Sure enough, it was a salad match made in heaven. ♥
My original photo for this recipe, circa 2012, after our family made it for Christmas. :)
Of course, I knew it would be. ;)
Everyone loves this salad.
I think that my aunt is actually the one who came up with it years and years ago, and our entire family instantly fell in love with it. Either she or my mom would make it — and still make it to this day — for every just about every single holiday and occasion that the extended family gathers together. And anyone else who happens to be around almost always falls in love with it as well. I remember when my old band was on road trips together back in college, our bass player would request that we swing through Wichita at mealtime just so that he could have mom make this salad for us.
Again, everyone loves this salad.
And really, why wouldn’t they? The ingredients are pretty much a guaranteed slam-dunk. (And they’re also naturally gluten-free too!)
The classic family version calls for one head of red-leaf lettuce and one head of Romaine (or a few Romaine hearts)…
…artichoke hearts (one can, or two if you really want more), chopped roasted red peppers (or my mom used to use pimientos), toasted pine nuts (such a treat!), sliced red onions…
…and this heavenly Parmesan red wine vinaigrette.
Mom and Aunt Donna used to make this with that classic “Zesty Italian Dressing Mix” from Good Seasons, which we all used to love. But over the years, I’ve nixed the processed seasoning packet in favor of the copycat recipe I’ve included below, which includes 100% pronounceable ingredients and lots of fresh Parmesan. Mmmm.
Toss it all together…
…and give it a good mix…
…and within minutes, this big bowl of happiness will be yours to share.
So from my family to yours, enjoy. ♥
Our Family's Favorite Salad
You will love this bright and colorful favorite family salad. This healthy goodness can be prepared in less than 10 minutes!
Ingredients:
Salad Ingredients:
- 1 head red-leaf lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 head Romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- half of a small red onion, peeled and thinly-sliced
- 2 (14 ounce) jars quartered artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped
- 1 (12 ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained and diced
- 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
- 1 batch zesty red wine vinaigrette
- optional garnish: extra freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
Zesty Red Wine Vinaigrette Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red-wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, store-bought or homemade
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions:
To Make The Salad:
Add all ingredients together in a large bowl, and toss until evenly combined. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
To Make The Vinaigrette:
Whisk all ingredients together until combined. (Or add them together in a mason jar, and shake until combined.) Use immediately.
If you make this recipe, be sure to snap a photo and hashtag it #gimmesomeoven. I'd love to see what you cook!
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The meditteranean flavors look like they blend well. I will be making this soon. I love a hearty salad that you can use as a meal and serve with a crusty bread. I might add chick peas for protein. Thank you!
The best salad ever, been making it for years! I add Salamis strips, fedda cheese! You dressing the best! It will be a hit again this year 😘😘👍👍😇🏈🏈🍀🍀🙏🙏
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Just wondering if I could leave out the parmesan cheese in the dressing as I am a vegan. The salad sounds absolutely delicious!
Sure thing! Enjoy!
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Fantastic work Ali! This salad is a meal on its own. Can’t wait to give it a try, kudos!
Mirella and Panos
Such a delicious and hearty salad! The dressing is on point as well. Thanks for the recipe!
Love, love, love this dressing!! This may be my new favorite salad as well….thanks for sharing!!
We will try this Easter w/ anchovies for mine. Hope you and Barclay have a great Holiday!!
Can you make the dressing the day before? It says to serve immediately but am wondering if that’s necessary.
Sure, that will work! Enjoy! :)
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Made this for my 4th of July cookout yesterday and it was HUGE hit! Super delicious and incredibly easy to put together.
I saw another comment that suggests adding salami and I thought the same thing…just as a bonus, not necessary though!
I just made this and I forgot to take a pic ..but it was delish!!!!-I will be making this again!! Thank you 😊
Just made with a friend. Was amazing . My new favorite salad! 5 Stars hands down! Thank you for sharing!
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YUM!! Can’t wait to make this. I think I would add Kalamata olives!
Made this for company last weekend and it was a hit! Definitely a keeper and now a favorite salad recipe!
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Yummmmm! Will definitely be trying this one
Hi! This looks delicious! With all the problems with romaine lettuce these days can you recommend another lettuce?
Thank you!
Sure thing — butter lettuce, red leaf lettuce, baby kale, spinach or arugula would all be great!
We make this too but we add a can of hearts of palm and sliced red onion. Great for winter salad. Thanks
I grew up with, and still make a very similar salad. It is also served at every family gathering! But you have really stepped it up with artichoke hearts and roasted red peppers! I’ve never left the produce aisle when searching for different ingredients for my salad. Thank you so much for the inspiration!!