This Loaded Italian Salad boasts an array of fresh vegetables, 3 types of cheese, and a homemade white balsamic vinaigrette….all on a bed of mixed greens. Light, fresh, and oh so satisfying!
Have you ever noticed something in your kids that makes you stop….and wonder….and feel like you maybe need to say a little prayer for them? Yeah….we’ve been saying a lot of little prayers lately…..
It all started about two weeks ago during a family movie night. It’s tradition, of course, that on movie night we order pizza – something that typically makes everybody happy. But on this particular night, as Greta reached for her first piece of pizza, she stopped and said, “Wait…..is pizza healthy?” Sheesh. Well….it just so happened that the type of pizza we had ordered wasn’t exactly the *healthiest* type around….and instead of just shushing her and moving along with our night, we opened up a conversation. THAT was our first mistake.
Because she ended up NOT having pizza that night….and just having the salad I had made to go on the side. Now, I know that salad is good for kids….and at the end of the day, I’d rather have her eat salad than take-out pizza any day! But. The point is she’s 6…..and what 6 year old refuses to eat pizza!? Especially on family movie night!!
Ever since that night, we’ve been having a lot of discussions. About healthy and not healthy and junk food and cavities…..and we’ve been eating LOTS and lots of salads. Which isn’t really anything out of the ordinary (I’m a salad fanatic), except for the fact that I’m now sharing all my salads with the girls. Which, when I say it out loud, is actually AWESOME!!!
We love our salads loaded….with tons of veggies and cheese and extras. And we love them on a bed of extra-healthy, super-satisfying greens! They’re light and leafy and the perfect base for a fresh summer salad….which we’ll clearly be eating a lot of….thanks to Greta!
3-Cheese Loaded Italian Salad
Ingredients
- 5 ounces mixed greens
- 1/2 cup diced grape tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced cucumbers
- 1/2 cup diced yellow pepper
- 1/2 cup halved kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
White Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
- 1/3 cup light olive oil
- 1/3 cup white balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 Tablespoon minced red onion
- 1 Tablespoon minced fresh basil
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Toss all salad ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Combine dressing ingredients, mix well, and pour desired amount over salad.
Nutrition
Jess says
Yay Greta! We love salads as well – so yummy! This one looks delicious! 🙂 I’ll look for that Earthbound variety next time I’m shopping!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
This salad looks SO good, Cathy! I love salads that are loaded like this, especially ones with olives! Pinned!
Tanya+Schroeder says
Is it funny that even young kids get caught up in what’s healthy and what’s not? My kids do that too, however they like to tell themselves that ice cream and chocolate are healthy! I personally would eat this salad over pizza any night of the week!
Cathy Trochelman says
Oh, me TOO, Tanya! The salad is my favorite part of pizza night! 😉
Maria Gridley says
Oh this looks so yummy! I love a good salad! ♥
Cathy Trochelman says
Thank you, Maria! I do, too!!
Jamie @ Love Bakes Good Cakes says
Hahaha! Aren’t kids awesome! 😉 Just as awesome as this salad in fact!! We love fully loaded salads in the summer too!
Cathy Trochelman says
What is it about “loaded” foods? I love tons of variety and loaded recipes are perfect for that! Thanks, Jamie!
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet says
I am loving the Gorgonzola and bacon in this salad! A perfect summer meal!
Cathy Trochelman says
Thanks, Nancy! I know Gorgonzola can be hit or miss for people, but for me it makes the salad! 🙂
marcie says
This is a feast for my eyes! I love all these ingredients, and loaded salads are the best! 🙂
Rachael says
This salad looks awesome!
Deb@+Cooking+on+the+Front+Burner says
Cathy, I love your salads and this one is fantastic!! When can I stop by for lunch 🙂
Kaylee says
At last, soenome who comes to the heart of it all
http://www./ says
Truly woooow, love this case and the colours are gorgeous, too! If you find out where to get those pencil cases from please let me know – I've been meaning to ask you about them for ages! Hugs xxx
Russ says
Hello
Excellent recipe. Could you let me know how many people it would serve please.
Karen Hauser says
Great!