Finding the perfect dressing can take any salad from average to extraordinary. Romano’s Italian Cuisine offers a variety of dressings—each with its unique flavor profile—designed to complement various types of salads. Here’s a guide to pairing dressings with specific salads to help you create a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
Romano's Special Salad
Recommended Dressing: House Italian This salad features crisp fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, onions, Greek olives, and stuffed grape leaves, topped with grilled chicken, gyro, and feta cheese. Our House Italian dressing, with its balanced blend of herbs and tanginess, complements the diverse flavors, especially the savory meats and briny olives.
Caesar Salad
Recommended Dressing: Classic Caesar
The creamy, umami-rich Caesar dressing elevates the simplicity of romaine lettuce, croutons, and parmesan. This dressing is perfect for anyone craving a savory experience with hints of anchovy, garlic, and parmesan.
House Salad
Recommended Dressing: Balsamic Vinaigrette or Ranch
Romano’s House Salad, filled with fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and carrots, pairs beautifully with either the tangy balsamic vinaigrette or the creamy and mild ranch. The balsamic vinaigrette adds a sweet and acidic note, while the ranch complements the crispness of the vegetables.
Greek Salad
Recommended Dressing: House Italian
The classic Italian dressing, a blend of olive oil, vinegar, and herbs, brings out the Mediterranean flavors in the Greek salad, featuring olives, pepperoncini, stuffed grape leaves, and feta cheese. It enhances the briny taste of olives and the richness of feta.
Chef Salad
Recommended Dressing: Thousand Island or Honey Mustard
Loaded with meats like ham, turkey, salami, eggs, and provolone cheese, the Chef Salad pairs excellently with a sweet and tangy Thousand Island or honey mustard dressing. These dressings add a hint of sweetness that balances the saltiness of the meats.
Horiatiki (Village) Salad
Recommended Dressing: Olive Oil & Vinegar
This traditional Greek salad features only fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and feta. It calls for the simplicity of olive oil and vinegar, which lets the raw ingredients shine while adding just enough acidity to bring out their flavors.
Nick’s Pizza Salad
Recommended Dressing: Bleu Cheese
Nick’s Pizza Salad—a combination of pizza dough topped with fresh salad ingredients—pairs well with a bold dressing like bleu cheese—the intense flavor of bleu cheese dressing balances the crispy pizza crust and fresh veggies.
Grilled or Fried Chicken Salad
Recommended Dressing: Honey Mustard or Ranch
The hearty chicken salad benefits from the creamy sweetness of honey mustard, which enhances the savory grilled or fried chicken. Ranch dressing is also a great option if you’re looking for a more traditional, creamy pairing.
Tips for Choosing Dressings at Home
Match Textures: Creamy dressings (like Caesar or ranch) go well with crisp, crunchy greens, while lighter dressings work well with soft or delicate ingredients.
Balance Flavors: Pair mild greens with stronger dressings, like bleu cheese, and robust ingredients with lighter dressings.
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to mix dressings or try a slight drizzle of two different ones to create your perfect blend.
Explore these combinations at Romano’s Italian Cuisine or at home to enhance your salad experience. Each pairing will bring out new flavors and elevate your dining experience. Enjoy!
