Dump Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Dump Salad is a fresh, vibrant mix of crunchy romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and tangy feta cheese. It’s quick to assemble and perfect for a light lunch or a simple side dish that brings a burst of Mediterranean flavor to your table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep Your Veggies. Start by washing all your vegetables under cold running water. Pat them dry with a clean towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture. Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion. Uniform cuts ensure every forkful is perfect.
- Step 2: Combine the Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss to distribute everything evenly.
- Step 3: Dress to Impress. Drizzle half the Italian dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Taste and add more dressing, salt, and pepper as desired, being careful not to overdress to avoid sogginess.
- Step 4: Serve Immediately. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and enjoy at once for the best texture. If making ahead, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
Tips & Variations
- For added protein, include grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a more substantial meal.
- Try swapping the Italian dressing for a lemon vinaigrette for a brighter, tangier flavor.
- Use Kalamata olives for a richer olive taste, or omit olives if preferred.
- To keep the salad crisp longer, store the dressing separately and only mix when ready to serve.
Storage
Store any leftover salad without dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing in a separate container and add it just before serving. If the salad becomes soggy, refreshing it with a bit of fresh lettuce or cucumber can help. Reheating is not recommended as this is best served fresh and cold.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best to keep the dressing separate and add it right before serving to maintain crispness and freshness of the vegetables.
What can I use if I don’t have Italian dressing?
You can substitute with a simple mix of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs for a homemade dressing that complements the salad flavors well.
PrintDump Salad Recipe
This Dump Salad Recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a fresh, healthy, and flavorful meal. Featuring crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, tangy red onion, savory black olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing, it’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish. The simplicity of ‘dumping’ all the ingredients together makes it a fuss-free option for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Dairy
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Others
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep Your Veggies: Start by washing all your vegetables under cold running water. Pat them dry with a clean towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture. Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion. Remember, uniform cuts not only look better but ensure every forkful is perfect.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss the ingredients together to distribute them evenly. This is where the magic starts to happen, as the colors and textures begin to mingle.
- Dress to Impress: Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad, starting with half the amount. Toss the salad gently to coat the ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust the amount of dressing, salt, and pepper according to your preference. The key here is to dress the salad just enough to enhance the flavors without making it soggy.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor. If you’re prepping ahead, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
Notes
- For best results, always add dressing just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- You can substitute Italian dressing with your favorite vinaigrette or homemade dressing.
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein to make it a full meal.
- Use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor and crunch.
Keywords: dump salad, easy salad, healthy salad, quick salad recipe, no-cook salad, romaine salad, Italian dressing salad
