Crunchy Romaine Salad with Pistachios, Olives & Garlic Herb Dressing

This crunchy romaine salad with pistachios combines fresh romaine hearts with salty olives, crunchy pistachios, and creamy Gouda cheese. Tossed in a zesty garlic herb dressing, it’s a flavorful romaine hearts salad that's perfect for a light lunch or simple side salad.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love this Crunchy Romaine Salad:
• Key Ingredients:
• How to Make Crunchy Romaine Salad with Pistachios, Olives & Garlic Herb Dressing:
• Tips for Success:
• FAQ's:
• More Salad Recipes You Will Love:
• Recipe
• Reviews

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!
• Bold Flavors & Texture: Loaded with crunch, this salad with pistachios & romaine is paired with briny olives and a tangy garlic herb dressing.

Key Ingredients:

• Romaine Lettuce: We’re using fresh, crisp romaine hearts for the perfect crunch. They hold up well to dressing and add a refreshing texture to the salad.
• Mixed Olives: Use your favorite blend! Castelvetrano, Kalamata, or green stuffed olives all work beautifully and add a punch of briny flavor.
• Pistachios: These bring buttery crunch. It's easy to elevate almost any salad with pistachios, adding both texture and richness.
• Gouda Cheese: Mild, nutty, and creamy. Feel free to swap for Manchego or Parmesan.
• Fresh Herbs: Dill, parsley, and chives give this romaine hearts salad a bright and herbaceous kick. And this blend pairs wonderfully with the garlic vinaigrette.
• Capers: Small but mighty, capers bring a tangy, savory punch.
• Garlic Herb Dressing: Made with extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, oregano, and garlic. This simple garlic herb dressing is packed with zesty flavor and comes together in minutes.

Dietary & Allergy-Friendly Swaps:

• How to Make It Dairy-Free: Swap the Gouda for a dairy-free cheese (I like VioLife or Follow Your Heart) or omit it all together.
• How to Make It 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.
• How to Make It Vegetarian: Swap the Worcestershire sauce for a vegetarian version or use a splash of soy sauce, coconut aminos, or balsamic vinegar for umami.

Recipe Variations:

• Add Protein: Turn this green salad with pistachios and olives into a heartier meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy chickpeas. You could also toss in cooked quinoa for a vegetarian/gluten-free protein boost.
• Tomato & Olive Salad: Add halved cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for a fresh, juicy spin. Their natural sweetness pairs with and balances the briny olives.
• Avocado Romaine Salad: Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
• Olive & Feta Salad: 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. It’s light, fresh, and lets the salad ingredients shine.

How to Make Crunchy Romaine Salad with Pistachios, Olives & Garlic Herb Dressing:

1. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the minced garlic, dried oregano, Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce if vegetarian), lemon juice, white wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
2. Prep the salad: Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Roughly chop the olives if desired. Finely chop the fresh herbs.
3. Assemble. In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, olives, grated Gouda, pistachios, herbs, and capers.
4. Dress & toss: Pour the garlic herb dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
5. Serve: Transfer to a serving dish or individual plates. Top with extra herbs or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper if you like.

Tips for Success:

• Use cold, crisp romaine. For the best crunch, wash and dry your romaine well, then chill it before chopping. This helps the leaves stay crisp even after tossing with dressing.
• 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:

• Make Ahead: You can prep all the components up to 2 days in advance. Chop the romaine, olives, and herbs; grate the cheese; and mix the garlic herb dressing. Store each ingredient separately in airtight containers in the fridge.
• Storage: Once tossed with dressing, the salad is best eaten fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within 24 hours. The lettuce may soften, but the flavors will still be great.
• Dressing: The garlic herb vinaigrette can be made up to a week ahead. Store in a sealed jar in the fridge and shake well before using.
  

What to Serve with Crunchy Romaine Salad with Pistachios:

This salad pairs well with grilled proteins, 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

FAQ's:

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

Tried This Crunchy Romaine Salad with Pistachios recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! ⭐ Please leave a star rating and review in the recipe card below. Your feedback helps others discover this ultra-flavorful, easy dish. Enjoy, and happy cooking! Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for more delicious recipes, travel inspiration, and behind-the-scenes content.