This Italian salad with mozzarella and salami is a filling and tasty dish that can be served both as a light main course or as a hearty side. It's got all the things we love about Italia; mozzarella, salami, basil, tomatoes, olives, cucumber and lettuce.
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Italian salad with mozzarella
I really like salads in general, but I love this one. It ticks all the boxes and has everything I need for a great salad. Here are some of my favourite things about this salad:
- It's easy! 5 minutes of chopping and dicing is all that's required. No cooking or baking or waiting for things to finish - this meal is done before you can say "YUM".
- Made with all the good things. As a lover of Italian food, this dish has almost every single one of my favourite ingredients. That being said, I'd eat anything that has mozzarella in it.
- It's versatile. Prepare this salad for a quick weeknight lunch, make a big batch for your potluck or summer garden party, or serve it with red wine and fresh bread for a romantic dinner. You can never go wrong with mozzarella and salami salad.
- Salad with intention. This salad is not messing around. We have fat, protein, fiber, flavour and vitamins galore; everything you need for a satisfying meal. This is the type of salad that actually fills you up and keeps you full for hours.
- It's make ahead proof. Make a big batch and you'll have lunches for days. Who doesn't love a good meal prep!
Ingredients
The best salads are simple, and all you need for this one is a few select ingredients.
- Mozzarella. This classic Italian cheese is soft and mild and everything that's right in the world. You can buy small balls, or one large cheese ball to dice.
- Tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes are my favourite, but plum or salad tomatoes also work great.
- Cucumber. Mild, juicy and crunchy deliciousness.
- Salami. The best quality Italian salami you can get. Milano salami is absoulutely amazing, and one of the key elements to this delicious salad.
- Olives. Pitted olives are easy to use for salads, and black olives are my personal preference. Look at that colour!
- Basil. Fresh basil leaves are an optional, but very welcome addition that amplifies the delicious flavours in this salads. Fresh basil compliments the mozzarella and tomatoes incredibly well.
- Lettuce. I love those curly Italian salad leaves, but you can use whichever lettuce you prefer.
- Balsamic dressing. Optional, but oooh so good!
How to serve this salad
I love to serve Italian salad with a simple pasta or something like lemon chicken. This recipe is also filling enough to make a great meal on its own, maybe served with some lovely crusty bread.
Storing leftover salad
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to make it ahead, I suggest keeping the dressing and salad in separate containers until serving, as the dressing can make the lettuce wilt faster.
More delicious salads:
- Shrimp and avocado salad
- Couscous salad with pomegranate
- Tuna bulgur salad with chickpeas
- Mediterranean chickpea salad
Recipe
Italian salad with mozzarella and salami
Ingredients
- 100 g fresh mozzarella
- 40 g salami
- 10 black olives
- 10 cherry tomatoes
- 200 g cucumber
- handful lettuce
- fresh basil leaves
Balsamico salad dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- juice from ½ lemon
- freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Chop all the salad ingredients into bite sized pieces, and add them to a salad bowl.
- Add all the ingredients for the dressing in a small bowl, and whisk to combine. Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Serve the salad segmented like in the picture, or use salad tongs to mix the ingredients.
Notes
Ingredients
- Mozzarella. This classic Italian cheese is soft and mild and everything that’s right in the world. You can buy small balls, or one large cheese ball to dice.
- Tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes are my favourite, but plum or salad tomatoes also work great.
- Cucumber. Mild, juicy and crunchy deliciousness.
- Salami. The best quality Italian salami you can get. Milano salami is absoulutely amazing, and one of the key elements to this delicious salad.
- Olives. Pitted olives are easy to use for salads, and black olives are my personal preference. Look at that colour!
- Basil. Fresh basil leaves are an optional, but very welcome addition that amplifies the delicious flavours in this salads. Fresh basil compliments the mozzarella and tomatoes incredibly well.
- Lettuce. I love those curly Italian salad leaves, but you can use whichever lettuce you prefer.
- Balsamic dressing. Optional, but oooh so good!
Ali - We Made This Vegan
I love a simple salad and this looks lovely and refreshing and very mediterranean. The mini mozzarella looks delicious!
Tonje
It is super tasty! And who can refuse mozzarella 🙂
Irina
This Italian salad looks colorful and sounds healthy. It is the best served all year round, especially in winter when we have some lack of colors:) I am gonna make it to night.
Tonje
I hope you enjoy it! I love a good salad in winter as well; it might sound untraditional but I think it's refreshing between the stews and soups.
Pam Greer
Now this is a seriously good salad! We love it for a light lunch or dinner!
Tonje
I'm so glad you like it! So do I 🙂
Eileen Kelly
What a delightful salad. The ingredients are simple and delicious. The dressing is fantastic with this salad.
Tonje
I'm glad you like it!