Italian-Style Chef Salad with Creamy Pesto Dressing 🥗

Introduction:

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Italy with our delightful Italian-Style Chef Salad complemented by a luscious Creamy Pesto Dressing. This salad is a symphony of freshness and taste, perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying snack. With colorful vegetables, savory cheeses, and a creamy pesto dressing, it’s a culinary journey to the heart of Italy!

Overview:

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: European
Category: Lunch/Snacks
Keywords: Peppers, Vegetable, European, < 15 Mins, No Cook, Easy

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Quantity
Mayonnaise	1/3 cup
Sour cream	1/4 cup
Plain yogurt	2 tablespoons
Parmesan cheese	2 tablespoons
Pesto sauce	2 tablespoons
Garlic	2 cloves
Milk	2-3 tablespoons
Mozzarella cheese	6 slices
Provolone cheese	1 slice
Ham	4 slices
Turkey	2 slices
Prosciutto	2 slices
Tomatoes	1
Green pepper	1
Onion	1

Instructions:

Prepare the Creamy Pesto Dressing:
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- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, pesto sauce, and minced garlic.
- Gradually stir in milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you achieve your desired creamy consistency. Set aside.
Assemble the Salad:
- Divide the mixed greens evenly among four individual salad bowls or serving plates.
- Arrange slices of mozzarella or provolone cheese, ham or turkey, and salami or prosciutto on top of the greens.
- Slice the tomato, green pepper, and onion, and add them to the salad.
- Optionally, include artichoke hearts for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Drizzle with Creamy Pesto Dressing:
- Once the salad is assembled, generously drizzle the prepared Creamy Pesto Dressing over the top.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Italian-Style Chef Salad immediately, allowing everyone to relish the vibrant colors and flavors of Italy in every bite.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 258.9
Fat Content: 15.2g
Saturated Fat Content: 8g
Cholesterol Content: 57.7mg
Sodium Content: 851.3mg
Carbohydrate Content: 13.7g
Fiber Content: 5g
Sugar Content: 3.4g
Protein Content: 18.2g

Tips and Variations:

Make It Your Own: Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite ingredients such as olives, cucumbers, or roasted red peppers.
Crunchy Texture: Add a handful of toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for a satisfying crunch.
Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the Creamy Pesto Dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Vegetarian Twist: Omit the meats and add extra veggies like roasted zucchini or grilled eggplant for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Conclusion:

This Italian-Style Chef Salad with Creamy Pesto Dressing is a delightful medley of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re craving a light lunch or a satisfying snack, this salad is sure to satisfy. Embrace the essence of Italian cuisine with every refreshing bite!