Insalata Mista, or mixed salad, is a simple yet vibrant Italian dish that embodies the essence of fresh, seasonal ingredients. It’s the perfect appetizer or side dish to complement any meal, offering a light and refreshing balance of flavors. The beauty of Insalata Mista lies in its versatility, while the core components remain the same, you can easily customize it based on what’s in season or your personal preferences.
Traditionally, Insalata Mista includes a variety of fresh greens like arugula, lettuce, and radicchio, providing a balance of textures and flavors. The greens are often accompanied by tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots, adding color and crunch. You can also find onions, olives, and sometimes fresh herbs like basil or parsley, enhancing the freshness and giving the salad a more aromatic touch.
The dressing for Insalata Mista is usually simple and elegant: a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This allows the natural flavors of the vegetables to shine through while adding just enough acidity and richness to bring everything together. The olive oil, in particular, elevates the salad with its fruity, smooth flavor that ties each ingredient harmoniously.
Insalata Mista is a quintessential part of Italian dining, often served before or alongside the main course to refresh the palate. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Whether enjoyed on its own for a light meal or as a side dish with pasta, grilled meats, or fish, Insalata Mista is the ultimate embodiment of fresh, Italian simplicity.
This salad isn’t just about taste, it’s about celebrating the quality and freshness of the ingredients. When made with the best seasonal produce, Insalata Mista can be an incredibly satisfying dish that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olives
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Serve the salad immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
This salad is so fresh and yummy! I added some avocado and it made it even better. Will definitely make again!
I don’t see how people like feta. It’s too strong! I used cheddar instead and it was okay.
But, cheddar is like a completely different taste! Feta adds a unique flavor that you can’t just swap with cheddar. Just saying!
I totally get what you mean! Feta can be super overpowering. Cheddar is a nice alternative for sure. 😄
Salad? No thanks! I prefer pizza.
Quick and easy salad! Perfect for summer days. My kids loved it. Who knew they’d eat red onions?!
Okay, but where’s the dressing? It just seems like a bunch of veggies thrown together. Not impressed.