Name: Campisi's Inspired House Salad
Prep time: PT-497988H33M34S
Cook time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/3 cup distilled white vinegar; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon pepperoncini brine; 1 tablespoon olive brine; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste; 4 cups roughly chopped iceberg lettuce (from about 1 small head); 4 green onions, finely chopped; 1/4 cup finely chopped pitted green olives; whole pepperoncini, for serving; whole green olives, for serving; freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

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Campisi’s Inspired House Salad is a delightful combination of fresh ingredients that perfectly balances crunch and flavor. With a crisp base of iceberg lettuce, complemented by the salty punch of olives and the herbal notes of green onions, this salad is a wonderful treat for the senses. Each bite offers a vibrant explosion of taste, further enhanced by a zingy homemade dressing that you can whip up in a jiffy. Whether you are looking for a light lunch or a colorful side dish, this salad is a fantastic way to incorporate greens into your meal.

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I first discovered this recipe after a wonderful evening spent at a quaint Italian restaurant where I was captivated by the freshness of their salads. The blend of flavors—rich parmesan, tangy pepperoncini, and zesty olives—stayed with me long after the last bite, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. What I love about Campisi’s Inspired House Salad is not just its taste but how it effortlessly elevates any meal. It’s both easy to prepare and budget-friendly, making it the perfect addition to weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends. I invite you to try it for yourself; you may find that it becomes a staple in your kitchen, just as it has in mine.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Campisi’s Inspired House Salad
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Campisi’s Inspired House Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip this salad up in just 15 minutes, perfect for last-minute meals!
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet makes each bite a joy.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of green olives, pepperoncini, and fresh lettuce create a dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light main course during warm days.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or vegetarian diets by ensuring all ingredients suit your needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1/3 cup distilled white vinegar: This bright, acidic vinegar forms the base of the dressing, adding a tangy kick. You can substitute with apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter taste.
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: A healthier fat that adds richness. Look for high-quality oil for the best flavor—avoid oils labeled as “light.”
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully into the salad dressing creating depth in flavor; pre-grated will work but may lack the richness.
1 tablespoon pepperoncini brine: This adds an extra layer of tanginess. If unavailable, you can use a little vinegar or lemon juice instead.
1 tablespoon olive brine: Adds saltiness and depth. If you’re using different olives, try brining them as well for added flavor.
1 garlic clove, minced: Fresh garlic creates a robust flavor in the dressing. If you prefer milder flavors, roast your garlic first or reduce the amount.
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar: Balances the acidity of the vinegar. Honey makes a fantastic substitute if you’re looking for a natural sweetener.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavors. Regular table salt can be used, but it’s not as coarse and may require adjusting the amount.
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste: Adds warmth and complexity. Adjust according to your taste preference.
4 cups roughly chopped iceberg lettuce (from about 1 small head): The crunch factor! While iceberg is traditional, romaine offers more nutrition and crunch.
4 green onions, finely chopped: Bright and mild, adding a fresh flavor. Red onions can substitute if you want a sharper taste.
1/4 cup finely chopped pitted green olives: Their briny flavor ties into the whole salad. You can use Kalamata olives for a bolder note if you prefer.
Whole pepperoncini, for serving: Adds a zesty crunch and a pop of color, but feel free to replace with other pickled veggies.
Whole green olives, for serving: Serve alongside for a textural contrast. Marinated olives can also add another flavor dimension.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving: Because who doesn’t love more cheese?

How to Make Campisi’s Inspired House Salad

Prepare the Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, blend together 1/3 cup distilled white vinegar, 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon pepperoncini brine, 1 tablespoon olive brine, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Shake or whisk well to combine until emulsified and set aside.
Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of roughly chopped iceberg lettuce, 4 finely chopped green onions, and 1/4 cup finely chopped pitted green olives. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the mixture.
Toss & Serve: Gently toss the salad until everything is well coated with the dressing. To plate, divide among 4 shallow bowls, garnishing with 1 to 2 whole pepperoncini, a few whole green olives, and additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Storing & Reheating

For the best flavor and texture, it’s best to serve Campisi’s Inspired House Salad immediately after tossing. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing and salad can be stored separately to maintain freshness. Freezing is not recommended, as the lettuce will wilt. When ready to enjoy your leftovers, give the salad a quick toss—add a splash of vinegar if it needs a flavor boost.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be careful not to overdress; start with less and add more as needed to ensure a balanced flavor.
For maximum freshness, chop your vegetables right before serving. This keeps them crisp and vibrant.
Make the dressing in advance; it stores well in the refrigerator for a week, allowing flavors to meld together.
If you’re preparing for a crowd, consider doubling the recipe. This salad is a hit!
To add extra protein, include grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal.

In this delightful salad, you’ll discover a refreshing blend that pairs beautifully with almost any main dish. It’s easy to prepare, with flavors that can brighten any meal. So whether you’re enjoying a quiet lunch or feeding a group, Campisi’s Inspired House Salad is sure to impress.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The dressing can be made a few days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just remember to shake or whisk it again before using, as ingredients may settle.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to get creative! Chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers could also enhance this salad, adding different textures and flavors.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of Parmesan or if you want to try something new, crumbled feta or shaved Asiago can make wonderful substitutions.

How can I make this salad vegan?

To create a vegan version, simply omit the cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative, and ensure that your olives are not packed in non-vegan brine. This salad remains delicious without the dairy!

⭐ If you make my Campisi’s Inspired House Salad recipe, Awesome! I would love to hear from you. Please give it a star rating and review below! 👇

Campisi’s Inspired House Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Campisi’s Inspired House Salad

Storing & Reheating

Chef’s Helpful Tips