Get ready to transport your taste buds to the rugged Italian countryside with the legendary Hunters Salad (Insalata Cacciatora)! This vibrant and hearty salad isn't just a dish—it's a culinary journey that captures the essence of traditional Italian cooking. Packed with crisp vegetables, tangy dressing, and bold flavors, this recipe promises to turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience that will have your guests begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the romaine lettuce under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Shake off excess water and chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Place it in a large salad bowl.
- Next, wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly. Cut each tomato in half and add them to the bowl with the chopped lettuce.
- Take the black olives and slice them into rings. Add the sliced olives to the salad bowl.
- Peel the red onion and slice it thinly. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes before adding them to the salad. Once ready, add the sliced red onion to the bowl.
- Wash the bell pepper, remove the seeds and core, and dice it into small pieces. Add the diced bell pepper to the salad bowl.
- In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil and red wine vinegar. Whisk or shake well to emulsify the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients and ensure they are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Once the salad is well mixed, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the Hunters Salad immediately, garnishing with additional olives or herbs if desired. Enjoy your fresh and vibrant Insalata Cacciatora!
Tips
- Ingredient Freshness is Key: Always use the freshest vegetables possible. The quality of your produce will dramatically impact the salad's overall flavor.
- Olive Oil Matters: Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the dressing to enhance the authentic Italian taste.
- Onion Hack: If raw onions are too strong for you, soak sliced red onions in cold water for 5-10 minutes to mellow their sharp flavor.
- Dressing Technique: Whisk or shake the dressing vigorously to ensure a perfect emulsion that coats every ingredient evenly.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately after dressing to maintain the salad's crisp texture and prevent wilting.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding some protein like grilled chicken or tuna to make this a more substantial meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
