Looking for non-pasta Italian salad recipes... (fennel, green pepper, onions, mushroom)

[Dayton Sux]

I am going to a potluck on Saturday where the pasta dishes will be provided....so I need to bring a NON-PASTA italian dish....and I am thinking of some sort of salad.

Any suggestions for a good italian salad, made with home-made dressing (i prefer to make my own dressing vs bottled)?

I know I could look for this online but was wondering if any of the cooks here have any favorites....

[Debsi]

Caprese salad is always popular in the summer -- tomatoes, basil, and fresh mozzarella.

[Jkgourmet]

Caprese salad.

Caesar salad.

Baby greens (preferably with extra arugula) with roasted pine nuts, gorgonzola, red onion, grape tomato and some cut strawberries (if you can find good ones). Use a light balsalmic and olive oil dressing that has had a crushed garlic clove sitting in it for awhile. Can use candied walnuts or pecans if you don't want to spend the $$ on the pine nuts.

Panzanella salad.

[Naturen]

How about an Artichoke and Kalamata olive salad? Those 2 can be your base and expand from there - red onions, green beans, broccoli, fresh herbs ...

[lubby]

Roasted Greens Panzanella Salad Recipe : Giada De Laurentiis : Recipes : Food Network

[AnonChick]

How about a traditional antipasto plate? You'll want a platter a few inches large than a typical restaurant charger plate.

Then, section the plate off with slices of fresh crispy green and red pepper, positioned from the middle to the edge, creating "spokes" for a wheel. Each section should have just one thing, so people can pick and choose without getting stuff all over the place. Some ideas for sections:

marinated mushrooms
artichoke hearts
pickled eggplant with pickled red pepper (pimientos)
pimiento-stuffed green peppers
slices of genoa salami, pepperoni, and provolone cheese
cherry peppers stuffed with prosciutto-wrapped chunks of romano cheese
rolled anchovies with capers in oil
oil-drizzled mozzarella balls sprinkled with fresh, minced basil

[Dayton Sux]

Antipasto is one of my favorite things at italian restaurants....caprese sounds good and simple.

Ive seen some recipes online for fennel salads...has anyone tried those?

[sandrew834]

This is just the pasta salad I was looking for! I personally love to jazz this Italian pasta salad up with half moon slices of pepperoni, cubed mozzarella and smoked cheddar cheeses, black olives, small pepperoni peppers, and little grape tomatoes.This is simple and great tasting recipe!