This crunchy romaine salad with pistachios combines fresh romaine hearts with salty olives, crunchy pistachios, and creamy Gouda cheese Tossed in a garlic herb dressing, this romaine salad is one of my favorite ways to make a 'quick' dinner salad.
Why You'll Love this Crunchy Romaine Salad:
- Quick & Easy: Made with simple, fresh ingredients and can be tossed together in just a few minutes.
- Easily made Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, & Vegetarian-Friendly!
- Big Flavors & Texture: Loaded with crunch, this salad with pistachios & romaine is paired with briny olives and a tangy garlic herb dressing
Jump to:
Key Ingredients:
- Romaine Lettuce: Crisp romaine hearts for the perfect, refreshing crunch.
- Mixed Olives: Use your favorite blend!
- Pistachios: Buttery and crunchy. One of my fave ways to elevate any salad.
- Gouda Cheese: Mild, nutty, and creamy. Shaved Parmesan also works really well!
- Fresh Herbs: Dill, parsley, and chives.
- Capers: Small but mighty, capers a tangy burst.
- Garlic Herb Dressing: Made with extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, oregano, and garlic.
Dietary Swaps:
- Dairy-Free: Swap the Gouda for a dairy-free cheese (I like VioLife or Follow Your Heart) or omit it all together.
- Nut-Free: Instead of making this salad with pistachios, use sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch without the nuts.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: No swaps needed, but always double-check labels on Worcestershire sauce and capers to be sure they're certified gluten-free.
- Vegetarian: Swap the Worcestershire sauce for a vegetarian version (as many versions contain anchovies) or use a splash of soy sauce or coconut aminos for umami.
Recipe Variations:
- Add Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy chickpeas. You could also toss in cooked quinoa for a vegetarian/gluten-free protein boost.
- Add Tomatoes: Add halved cherry tomatoes. Their natural sweetness pairs with and balances the briny olives.
- Add Avocado: Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
- Craving a more Mediterranean/Greek vibe? Swap the Gouda for crumbled feta and go heavy on the olives.
- Lemon Olive Oil Salad Dressing: Skip the garlic vinaigrette and try a simple lemon olive oil dressing instead: just lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
How to Make Crunchy Romaine Salad with Pistachios, Olives & Garlic Herb Dressing:
- Make the Dressing: Whisk garlic, oregano, Worcestershire (or soy sauce), lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in olive oil until emulsified. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep the Salad: Chop romaine, olives, and herbs.
- Assemble: In a large bowl, combine romaine, olives, Gouda, pistachios, herbs, and capers.
- Dress & Toss: Add dressing just before serving and toss to coat.
- Serve: Plate and garnish with extra herbs or black pepper, if desired.
Tips & Notes:
- Use Cold, Crisp Romaine: For the best refreshing crunch.
- Toss just before serving. To avoid a soggy salad, add the garlic herb dressing right before serving. If you're prepping ahead, store the dressing separately.
Make Ahead & Storage:
- Dressing: Vinaigrette can be made up to a week in advance. Store in a sealed jar and shake before using.
- Storage: Best served fresh once dressed. Leftovers keep up to 24 hours in the fridge.
What to Serve with Crunchy Romaine Salad with Pistachios:
This salad pairs well with grilled meats, pasta, sandwiches, or a even warm bowl of soup for a balanced meal:
- Greek-Inspired Grilled Chicken Skewers with Squash Ribbons
- 20-Minute Walnut & Brown Butter Pasta with Pecorino Romano
- Italian Wedding Soup with Homemade Meatballs
FAQs:
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, simply omit the Gouda cheese or swap with a vegan cheese alternative, and swap the Worcestershire sauce for coconut aminos or soy sauce.
What nuts can I use instead of pistachios?
Almonds, walnuts, or pecans all work well, or pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
What bottled dressing works well with this salad?
A garlic vinaigrette (such as Garlic Expressions), a Greek Dressing (I LOVE Ken's), or Italian-Style dressing all pair nicely.
More Salad Recipes You Will Love:
- Portillo's Chopped Salad (The Best Copycat Recipe)
- Mediterranean Pasta & Kale Salad with Garlic Basil Dressing
- Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Columbia Restaurant's 1905 Salad
Recipe
Crunchy Romaine Salad
Crunchy romaine salad with pistachios, olives, and Gouda, tossed in a zesty garlic herb dressing. Fresh, flavorful, and ready in minutes!
Ingredients
- 2 heads romaine hearts chopped
- 1 cup mixed olives
- ½ cup shelled pistachios
- ½ cup Gouda cheese grated
- 2 tablespoon capers
- 2 tablespoon fresh herbs dill, parsley, chives, finely chopped
For the Garlic Herb Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for vegetarian
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together garlic, oregano, Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce), lemon juice, white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep the salad: Chop romaine hearts into bite-sized pieces. Roughly chop olives and finely chop fresh herbs.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine romaine, olives, pistachios, grated cheese, capers, and herbs.
- Dress & toss: Pour dressing over salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat evenly. Serve immediately, optionally topped with extra herbs or cracked black pepper.
Notes
- To Make Nut-Free: Swap pistachios for sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Nutritional information is an estimate only and will vary according to specific ingredients and amounts used.
Nutrition
Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 7gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g
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Must Love Garlic says
A simple blend of ingredients that delivers big on flavor and crunch.