Mom’s Iceberg Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Black Olives

Mom’s Iceberg Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Black Olives

Mom’s Iceberg Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Black Olives is my family’s “house” salad. I ate this simple salad at least once a week for my entire childhood—as far back as I can remember—until I moved out. You can imagine my surprise when my husband’s idea of a salad was—drum roll please—lettuce with lettuce. That’s right—just iceberg lettuce. That’s why for the longest time my husband and I just ate Caesar salads. Now, many years later, my formerly picky-eater husband also loves big Greek Dinner Salads and Not-Your-Ordinary Fruit Salad with Chicken. Because of his exposure to healthy foods over years (yes, it takes time), his tolerances and taste buds have changed. Now, I’m ready to bring this nostalgic salad back into my life. Thanks Mom!

Is Iceberg lettuce good for you

I’ve heard so many times that iceberg lettuce isn’t really good for you, and it’s just crunchy water. It’s true that other leafy greens like kale and romaine may be more nutrient dense. Yet, iceberg still has plenty more nutrients per calorie than a myraid of other fruits and vegetables. For instance, iceberg lettuce is a great source of vitamin K which is a nutrient linked to being protective of cardiovascular health, bone density health, and more. Vitamin K also happens to be a fat soluble vitamin which means pairing it with a high-quality olive oil (which also contains vitamin K) makes the perfect match. So, if iceberg lettuce is your favorite, by all means, enjoy it!

Great Additions to an Italian-Style Salad

Lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and olives make a great base for a salad. Olives can always be served on the side for picky eaters. However, I think I grew to love olives because Mom always included them.

You can always add plenty more nutritious ingredients.

  • Shredded carrot
  • Red onions, thinly sliced
  • Green, red, or yellow peppers, small diced
  • Radishes, sliced
  • Pepperoncini
  • Croutons
  • Canellinni beans
  • Garbanzo beans
  • Salami, diced
  • Pepperoni, diced
  • Crispy prosciutto, crumbled
  • Anchovies
  • Capers
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Buffalo mozzarella
  • Fresh herbs
  • Roasted garlic

Serve with with your favorite store bought vinaigrette or make your own homemade Lemon Vinaigrette or 5 Ingredient Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Green bowl filled with iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and black olives.

Mom’s Iceberg Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Black Olives

Mom's Iceberg Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Black Olives is my family's "house" salad. We ate this salad with an Italian vinaigrette.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 head iceberg lettuce
  • 1/2 medium cucumber peeled, quartered, and diced
  • 1 small tomato
  • 1/4 cup black olives

Instructions
 

  • Cut, wash, and dry iceberg lettuce.
  • Peel cucumber, quarter length wise, and chop in 1/4 inch pieces
  • Chop tomato and sprinkle with black olives.
  • Serve with your favorite vinaigrette.
Keyword Black Olives, Cucumber, Iceberg, Lettuce, Tomato

2 thoughts on “Mom’s Iceberg Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Black Olives”

  • 5 stars
    The very reason I liked it was because of all the items you could add to make it your favorite.
    When kids are young and don’t like vegetables, it’s an easy way to introduce them to try something different.
    I always thought that at least they were getting some nutrients they needed.

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