Many years ago, we had a restaurant named Bella’s in Downtown Melbourne, and it was one of my favorite spots to dine. Their signature salad, the Bella Salad, is by far one of my favorite salads ever. It is basically a marinated olive salad served over romaine. This salad has a ton of flavor! If you want some additional protein, top with cannellini beans or grilled or roasted chicken.

Today at VBS, I brought this salad with me and enjoyed it after a busy morning of feeding the students and volunteers (hence the disposable plate you see in the photo – one less dish to wash!). This was day #2 of this salad for me, with one more serving still in the fridge! I LOVE make ahead salads 🙂

Olives are antioxidant-rich and have been found to therefore be a fighter against cancer and inflammation. They are high in copper (bone/tissue health and cholesterol balance), iron (which works in tandem with copper), fiber, and vitamin E.

BELLA SALAD

• 1 head romaine lettuce, cut

• 3-4 Roma tomatoes, chopped

• 1/2 cup each black and green olives, sliced

• 1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced

• 1 cup quartered artichokes

• 1/3 cup onion, sliced into 1″ pieces

• 1/2 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese

• 2 teaspoons minced garlic

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar

• Salt and pepper to taste

Place romaine into a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and salt and pepper. Whisk together. Add remaining ingredients (tomato – gorgonzola cheese) into the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold together. Place olive salad on top of romaine and serve. Makes 4 generous salads.

Other recipes you will enjoy:

“A Salad For Each Week” Recipes:

1. Broccoli and White Bean Salad

2. Asian Purple Cabbage Slaw

3. Fresh and Minty Cantaloupe and Tomato Salad

4. Tangy Kale and Sweet Potato Bit Salad

5. Key Lime Corn and Black Bean Salad

6. Green Bean, Tomato, and Mozzarella Pesto Salad

7. “So Long Summer” Salad

8. Pickle Salsa

9. Gingery Broccoli and Carrot Salad

10. Mediterranean Farro Salad

11. Home Grown Kale and Pumpkin Seed Salad

12. Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Warm Chutney Dressing

13. Cranberry and Orange Quinoa Salad

14. Southwest Ranch Dressing

15. Marinated Mushrooms

16. Fajita Quinoa

17. Caesared Brussel Sprouts

18. Fresh Argentinian Salad

19. The “New Green” Salad

20. Shrimp, Strawberry, and Feta Salad with Balsamic Chia Dressing

21. Garden Fresh Tomato and Mozzarella Salad

22. Cool Zucchini, Carrot, and Radish Salad

23. Layered Greek Salad

24. Shredded Brussel Sprout Salad

25. Ginger Dressed Slaw

26. Creamy Balsamic, Blueberry and Basil Spinach Salad

27. Tangy Green Bean Salad

28. Florida Summer Salad

29. Avocado and Crab Salad