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Are you looking for an easy, delicious salad to make at home that captures all the flavor of a classic American favorite? Lou Malnati’s is one of Chicago’s iconic pizza restaurants, and now you can replicate their signature salads in the comfort of your own kitchen. With this copycat recipe, you’ll get all the same flavors as their famous dish alongside several vegan alternatives.
This blog post shares not only how to tweak it based on dietary preferences but also what ingredients are essential for getting that unmistakable taste from Lou Malnati’s restaurant chain. Read ahead for our full guide!
History of Lou Malnati’s Salad
Before we get to the recipe, let’s take a look at the history of Lou Malnati’s salad. The iconic dish dates back to 1971 when it was invented in one of their Chicago-area restaurants by founder Rudy Malnati. It quickly became a hit among locals and visitors alike and is now a staple on their menus throughout the country.
The signature salad includes red onions, tomatoes, black olives, mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, salami, pepperoni and Italian dressing all atop a bed of lettuce. As soon as you taste it you’ll understand why it has become so popular!
Copycat Lou Malnati’s Salad Recipe
To replicate the recipe at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Romaine lettuce
- 2 cups of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of black olives
- ½ cup of sliced mushrooms
- ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces of sliced salami (or a vegan alternative)
- 4 ounces of sliced pepperoni (or a vegan alternative)
- Italian dressing or vinaigrette to taste
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary ingredients, let’s get cooking! Begin by washing and drying your romaine lettuce. Then, dice the tomatoes and olives and slice the mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, salami, and pepperoni into small pieces.
In a large bowl, combine the lettuce and all the other ingredients. Mix thoroughly and top with your favorite Italian dressing or vinaigrette. Serve chilled for maximum freshness!
Vegan Options for Lou Malnati’s Salad
For those following a vegan diet, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this delicious salad without compromising on taste. Substitute the salami and pepperoni with vegan alternatives like tempeh bacon or tofu sausages and use vegan cheese as well. You can also substitute the Italian dressing with a plant-based alternative such as olive oil and balsamic vinegar, just be sure to adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Nutritional Benefits of the Salad
This salad is a great way to incorporate fresh vegetables and proteins into your diet. The tomatoes, olives, mushrooms and lettuce are an excellent source of vitamins A, C and K as well as dietary fiber. The cheese adds calcium while the salami provides protein and iron. Plus, it’s easy to make so you don’t have to worry about spending hours in the kitchen!
Frequently Asked Questions | Lou Malnati’s Salad
1. Is the salad gluten-free?
Yes! All of Lou Malnati’s salads are 100% gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy them. We use only fresh ingredients and take great care to ensure that our salads are safe for those with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance. If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, please let your server know before ordering and they can help accommodate your needs!
2. What dressing is served with the salad?
We offer a variety of dressings to top off your salad, including ranch, blue cheese, Italian vinaigrette and honey-mustard. All our dressings are gluten-free and made in house. If you have any specific requests or dietary restrictions, feel free to let your server know!
3. Are all of Lou Malnati’s salads vegetarian?
Yes! Our salads feature fresh vegetables, cheeses and fruits that are suitable for vegetarians. We also offer options for vegan diners – please ask your server about their recommendations when ordering.
4. Is there an option to add protein to my salad?
Yes! We offer grilled chicken, steak and shrimp that can be added to any salad for an additional charge. You can also opt for a side of garlic bread or pizza sticks if you’d like some extra protein.
5. Is there a “kids menu” option for salads?
Yes! Lou Malnati’s offers half-sized portions of our salads for young diners – just ask your server about the options available and they will be happy to help.
6. How big are the salads?
Our full-sized salads are large enough to serve 2-3 people, depending on how hungry you are! We also offer smaller options for single servings, as well as half-sized portions for kids.
7. Are the salads customizable?
Yes! We are happy to customize our salads with any combination of ingredients that you’d like – just let your server know what you would like and they will be happy to accommodate your request.
Copycat Lou Malnati’s Salad
Equipment
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Salad bowl
- measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- Romaine lettuce
- 2 cups of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of black olives
- ½ cup of sliced mushrooms
- ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces of sliced salami or a vegan alternative
- 4 ounces of sliced pepperoni or a vegan alternative
- Italian dressing or vinaigrette to taste
Instructions
- Once you’ve gathered all the necessary ingredients, let’s get cooking! Begin by washing and drying your romaine lettuce. Then, dice the tomatoes and olives and slice the mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, salami, and pepperoni into small pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the lettuce and all the other ingredients. Mix thoroughly and top with your favorite Italian dressing or vinaigrette. Serve chilled for maximum freshness!
Conclusion
After enjoying this delicious Copycat Lou Malnati’s Salad, you can look forward to making it again and trying out different variations. From adding different vegetables and changing up the salad dressing to swapping out Italian sausage for ground turkey or adding in some feta cheese, there are countless ways to transform this scrumptious salad into something unique.
With every iteration of the recipe, you’ll be sure to find a satisfying version just for you. Give Copycat Lou Malnati’s Salad a try today – and let us know how yours comes out! Bon appétit.
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