By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on July 5, 2023 | Last Updated on August 19, 2023
Imos Salad is a classic Italian-American dish that is usually served as a side or main course. It’s packed with flavor and it’s easy to make at home.
This no-fuss recipe contains just six ingredients and takes only minutes to prepare. Enjoy this delicious salad any day of the week for a healthy, nutritious meal!
In this article, we’ll discuss what imos salad is, how to make it, what to serve with it, and more. So let’s get started!
What is imos Salad?
Imos Salad is an Italian-American dish from the American restaurant chain Imo’s Pizza. It consists of tomato, cucumber, red onion, olives, and Italian dressing.
It originated in America during the early 1900s and has since become a popular side or main dish for many restaurant menus.
The ingredients are diced or sliced into small pieces and then mixed together with the dressing to create a flavorful salad.
What does it taste like?
Imos Salad has a fresh and tangy taste. The tomatoes give the salad sweetness, while the cucumbers provide crunchiness.
The red onions add sharpness without overpowering other ingredients, and the olives add a salty and savory flavor. The Italian dressing ties all the flavors together and adds a nice zing to the dish.
How did I first get introduced to the imos Salad?
I was first introduced to imos Salad while eating at Imo’s Pizza restaurant. It caught my eye as it was served alongside other classic dishes.
I decided to give it a try and was pleasantly surprised by the flavor combination! The tomatoes were sweet, the cucumbers had a nice crunch, and the Italian dressing added a zing to the salad that I really enjoyed.
Since then, I’ve been making most Salad at home whenever I want a quick but delicious meal. The best thing of all, it only takes a few minutes to put together! The flavors meld perfectly and the dish is packed with nutrition.
How to make imos Salad?
Making an imos Salad at home is super easy! Here are the ingredients & step-by-step process:
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Ingredients
- Tomato: This is a great source of dietary fiber and it provides a sweet, juicy flavor to the salad.
- Cucumber: A crunchy vegetable with a refreshing taste that adds an interesting texture to the dish.
- Red Onion: This vegetable gives the salad some sharpness and adds a nice flavor without overpowering other ingredients.
- Olives: For a little bit of salty and savory flavor, the olives in this recipe are a great addition.
- Italian Dressing: This dressing is perfect for adding some zing to the salad. It also helps to tie all the flavors together.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Start by dicing one tomato and slicing one cucumber into small pieces; set aside.
Step 2
Dice one-fourth of a red onion and slice one-fourth of a cup of olives.
Step 3
In a large bowl, combine the diced tomato, cucumber slices, red onion, and sliced olives.
Step 4
Add two tablespoons of Italian dressing to the salad and mix everything together until it is evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 5
Serve immediately.
Tips
• Try adding other vegetables like bell peppers, celery, or carrots for a more colorful dish.
• To mix things up, try using a different dressing such as balsamic vinaigrette or ranch dressing.
• If you want to add some protein, top the salad with grilled chicken or shrimp.
• For a vegetarian option, try adding some chickpeas or black beans.
• If you’re looking for a heartier meal, serve the salad over a bed of lettuce or spinach.
• To make it even healthier, use olive oil instead of Italian dressing.
• For a creamier dish, try adding some feta cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Imos Salad Recipe
Equipment
- bowl
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 2 diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup olives sliced
- 4 tablespoons Italian dressing
- 1/2 large red onion (chopped)
- 2 Finely Chopped Cucumber
Instructions
- Start by dicing one tomato and slicing one cucumber into small pieces; set aside.
- Dice one-fourth of a red onion and slice one-fourth of a cup of olives.
- In a large bowl, combine the diced tomato, cucumber slices, red onion, and sliced olives.
- Add two tablespoons of Italian dressing to the salad and mix everything together until it is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Try adding other vegetables like bell peppers, celery, or carrots for a more colorful dish.
- To mix things up, try using a different dressing such as balsamic vinaigrette or ranch dressing.
- If you want to add some protein, top the salad with grilled chicken or shrimp.
- For a vegetarian option, try adding some chickpeas or black beans.
- If you’re looking for a heartier meal, serve the salad over a bed of lettuce or spinach.
- To make it even healthier, use olive oil instead of Italian dressing.
- For a creamier dish, try adding some feta cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Nutrition Information
Per serving contains:
Calories: 125.5 kcal
Protein: 2.4g
Fat: 7.6g
Carbohydrates: 8.7g
Fiber: 1.3g
Sugar: 4g
What to serve with imos Salad?
Imos Salad is a great side or main dish. It can be served alongside grilled chicken, steak, fish, pasta dishes, and other Italian favorites.
For a light lunch or dinner, serve it with some crusty bread and a salad. You could also top the salad with some crumbled feta cheese for an added flavor punch.
How to store leftover imos Salads?
Leftover imos Salad can be stored in an air-tight container and refrigerated for up to three days.
Before you store the salad, make sure it has cooled completely before transferring it to the refrigerator.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Imos Salad is generally safe for pregnant women to eat as long as all of the ingredients are fresh and properly prepared.
However, pregnant women should avoid consuming large amounts of olives as they can contain high levels of sodium.
Additionally, it is important to avoid consuming pre-packaged dressings or mayonnaise as they may contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
FAQs
Is imos Salad healthy?
Imos salads are generally considered healthy as they are packed with many vitamins and minerals. This salad is a good source of dietary fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
What can I add to imos Salad?
You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, celery, carrots, or chickpeas for added texture and flavor. You could also top it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or feta cheese to make it more filling.
Is the imos Salad gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is completely gluten-free.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Just leave out the olives and substitute a plant-based dressing for the Italian dressing.
Does the salad need to be chilled before serving?
No, the salad does not need to be chilled. You can serve it immediately after mixing all of the ingredients together.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for reading about Imos Salad. This classic American dish is a great way to liven up your meal with bright, fresh flavors and plenty of nutrition. It’s easy to make at home and can be customized by adding different proteins or vegetables.
Plus, it’s gluten-free and can easily be made vegan by swapping out the Italian dressing for a plant-based alternative. Try it out today and enjoy the unique flavor combination!
Please share this recipe with your friends and family so they can enjoy this delicious dish as well!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
