I was dusting off the internet and found this one tucked into a draft folder that I guess I never got around to finishing. We LOVE THIS SALAD. Take note of the dressing “trick.”
My sister has referred me to many great restaurants around Seattle, and going to Tutta Bella on Stone Way was one of the first. Immediately, I loved their authentic Neapolitan-Style pizza, their signature “italian” cocktails, and commitment to doing pie the old world way. Their Insalate Napoli (Naples style Salad), is one of their very best items. More than just a dinner salad, this one is LOADED with good eating. I have tried to duplicate this, as best as I can after eating so many times a the restaurant. Best part is simply that it is essentially “handfuls” of things you may already have laying around.
Insalate Napoli
2 heads of Romaine (actually depends on how many people you want to feed – truth is, if you want to mix some romaine with red or green leaf, that is awesome too. The romaine provides a nice and sturdy crunch.)
1-2 chicken breasts, cooke, cubed and chilled
6 slices salami, sliced in ribbons
handful of kalamata olives
2 carrots, shredded
1 small jar artichoke hearts
handful of crumbled gorgonzola
handful of grape (or cherry) tomatoes, halved
2-3 slices cooked and crispy bacon, chopped
Rinse Romaine and lightly season with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper (always season your greens!) Lightly toss with about 1/3 cup dressing. To make the dressing, I put in about 1/4 cup of the White Balsamic and Caesar into an old jar and shook it baby! You will have extra or you can have a heavier dressed salad.
Place into large serving bowl (a good pasta one works great if you don’t have the deep dish bowls like the restaurant). Place remaining ingredients in the middle on top of the dressed romaine.
Set at the table, and toss. Serve with your favorite bread immediately!
This looks and sounds so good! I think I’m gonna have to attempt to make it! Anything with cheese and something bacon like has to be good!
Do it! Don’t tell anyone, but it actually tastes better than Tutta Bella!
This looks fabulous, Mike! Can you elaborate on the dressing? How many parts white balsamic to Caesar? Or is there a special dressing recipe? Thanks. This is my favorite salad in Seattle too, along with Palimino’s chop salad.
@Colleen – It is so good! 1/4 cup caesar and 3/4 cup white balsamic!
Hi. I know this is an older post but I love this salad as well and I want to learn how to make it. Can you tell me if it is okay to use regular balsamic vs white? Thanks!
I am glad you like it! White balsamic for sure. The others would still taste good but isn’t the actual recipe from the restaurant. I actually asked one of their main cooks once what it was so that is how I got it after trying a bunch of different ways myself. Enjoy!
Hi! Thank you taking the time to write this recipe. Just a question, does the white balsamic refer to a vinaigrette or white balsamic vinegar? Thanks!
You can honestly use either. I like the white balsamic vinaigrette that you can buy.
Thank you for this! I love the napoli salad, and since they have started selling it at QFC I have fallen deep into the $11 salad hole. Can’t wait to try the dressing recipe
Any ideas on the Champagne vinaigrette for the Miata salad ? Also I’m I love with Pagliacci’s salad dressing … I’d love to try make at home