This Olive, Cheese, and Herb Salad with Garlic & Herb Vinaigrette is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Crisp romaine provides a refreshing base, while a medley of mixed olives and briny capers add a savory, tangy punch. The gouda cheese brings creamy richness, and a handful of pistachios adds a delightful crunch. Fresh dill and parsley bring an herbaceous brightness, all tossed in a zesty homemade garlic and herb vinaigrette that ties everything together. Whether as a light meal on its own or a vibrant side dish, this salad is a simple yet flavorful way to brighten any meal.

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Why You’ll Love this Recipe:

Bursting with Flavor – The combination of olives, capers, and gouda cheese creates a savory, tangy flavor explosion, balanced perfectly by the fresh herbs and garlic vinaigrette.
Quick & Easy – This salad comes together in minutes, making it an effortless addition to any meal without compromising on taste or texture.
Nutrient-Packed – With fresh romaine, olives, pistachios, and herbs, it’s a powerhouse of vitamins, healthy fats, and antioxidants, making it as good for you as it is delicious.
Versatile – Perfect as a side, appetizer, or even a light main dish, this salad pairs beautifully with just about any meal, elevating your dining experience with minimal effort.

olive and herb salad with savory dressing

Ingredient Notes:

Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, romaine forms the perfect base for this easy salad recipe, adding a mild, slightly sweet crunch.
Mixed Olives: A blend of tangy, briny olives brings complexity and a punch of savory flavor, adding depth to the salad.
Capers: These little bursts of brine introduce an additional layer of tartness that complements the olives and balances the richness of the cheese.
Gouda Cheese: Creamy and slightly nutty, gouda adds a smooth, indulgent texture that contrasts nicely with the crunchy salad ingredients.
Dill: Fresh dill offers a bright, aromatic herbal note, infusing the salad with a distinctive flavor that enhances the other ingredients.
Parsley: A touch of parsley brings a fresh, clean flavor, adding a burst of color and vibrancy to the dish.
Pistachios: These crunchy, slightly sweet nuts add texture and a nutty richness, perfectly balancing the saltiness of the olives and capers.
Garlic & Herb Vinaigrette: The homemade herb dressing, with its garlic-forward punch and herbal notes, ties all the flavors together, adding a savory, zesty finish to the salad.

Dietary Restriction & Allergy Friendly Substitutions:

To make gluten-free: Ensure your Worcestershire sauce and optional anchovy paste are gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
To make dairy-free: Omit the gouda cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free alternative. The dressing is naturally dairy-free as written.
To make nut-free: Replace pistachios with roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch without nuts.
To make vegan: Swap Worcestershire sauce for a vegan version (traditional ones often contain anchovies), omit the cheese, and skip the optional anchovy paste to keep the recipe fully plant-based.
For a low-sodium version: Choose low-sodium olives and capers, reduce added salt in both the salad and dressing, and skip the anchovy paste.

Pro Tips & Recipe Notes:

Make Ahead: Prep the romaine, herbs, and other ingredients in advance, but wait to toss everything with the dressing until just before serving to keep the salad crisp and fresh.
Customize the Olives: Use your favorite variety of olives (like Kalamata, Castelvetrano, or black olives) for a flavor profile you love. A mix adds great contrast!
Toast the Pistachios: Toasting the pistachios lightly in a dry skillet enhances their flavor and adds an extra layer of nuttiness. Let them cool before adding to the salad.
Balance the Dressing: Adjust the acidity and saltiness to your taste. Add more lemon juice for extra brightness or more olive oil for a mellower flavor.
For an Umami Boost: Add a small dab of anchovy paste to the dressing. It won’t taste fishy but will add depth to the vinaigrette.
Serve as a Side or Main: Pair this salad with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even a hearty soup for a complete meal. Or add protein like grilled shrimp or chickpeas to make it a satisfying standalone dish or healthy lunch salad.
Storage: Keep the dressing and salad separate if you’re making this ahead. The dressing will stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week in a sealed container. Shake well before using.

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