Fancy Italian Salad

Ingredients

• 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, romaine, and spinach)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), chopped
• ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
• 1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup grilled vegetables (zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers)
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings to your preference and set aside.
2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are tender and have nice grill marks. Remove from the grill and let cool slightly before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, mozzarella balls, and grilled vegetables. Toss gently to evenly distribute the ingredients.
4. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well-coated.
5. Top the salad with grated Parmesan, torn basil leaves, chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if desired.