Pasta, romaine lettuce, homemade croutons, chopped vegetables, and Den Dressing combine in this bold, flavorful Radiatori Salad. It’s ideal for picnics, potlucks, and summer gatherings.
When a classic salad meets a pasta salad, you get Radiatori Salad: equal parts lettuce and pasta with crunchy homemade croutons folded in for texture. This is a refreshing, unexpected side that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
This recipe takes me back to a cafe where I worked as a teen. It’s one of those dishes I enjoyed years ago and recently rediscovered after my mom reminded me about it. The flavors are just as memorable now as they were twenty-plus years ago.
What is Radiatori Salad?
Radiatori Salad sits somewhere between a traditional green salad and a pasta salad. It features a generous amount of pasta alongside crisp romaine and fresh vegetables, creating a hybrid that’s hearty yet bright. I searched around and couldn’t find many recipes like this one, so it feels like a somewhat unique creation.
What really sets this salad apart is the dressing: Den Dressing. Originating in Erie, PA, Den Dressing is a robust, full-flavored style of French dressing that gives the salad its vibrant color and savory depth.
Below are the details for making this Radiatori Salad at home.
Ingredients:
Gather the following ingredients for a main-batch Radiatori Salad:
- radiatori pasta – The ridges and grooves capture dressing and flavor. Radiatori can be hard to find; fusilli is a good substitute.
- romaine lettuce – Adds crunch and freshness; chop roughly.
- tomatoes – Any tomato works; chop into bite-sized pieces.
- green pepper – Adds color and crispness; core, seed, and chop.
- homemade croutons – Crunchy croutons hold up better than store-bought; use your favorite recipe.
- Den Dressing – A rich, tangy dressing that brings the salad together.
How to Make Radiatori Salad
These steps are quick and straightforward:
- Cook the radiatori (or fusilli) according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with chopped tomatoes, green pepper, and romaine lettuce.
- Add the homemade croutons and drizzle with Den Dressing.
- Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.
The Den Dressing gives the salad a beautiful color and a bold, tangy flavor that complements the crisp vegetables and hearty pasta perfectly.
Recipe Notes
You can prepare this salad ahead of time: combine the pasta and vegetables in a bowl, and refrigerate. Hold off on adding croutons and dressing until just before serving to keep the croutons crisp.
If you can’t find radiatori pasta, fusilli or another short, ridged pasta makes an excellent substitute.
Wrap Up
If you’re searching for an easy, flavorful side salad with great texture and visual appeal, try this Radiatori Salad. The contrast of tender pasta, crisp romaine, fresh vegetables, and crunchy croutons tossed in Den Dressing makes for a memorable dish.
If you make it, feel free to come back and share your thoughts—feedback is always appreciated. Enjoy!
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Radiatori Salad
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Ingredients
- 1 lb radiatori pasta
- 2 heads romaine lettuce roughly chopped
- 2 cups chopped tomatoes
- 1 green pepper cored, deseeded, and chopped
- 4 cups homemade croutons
- 2 cups Den Dressing
Instructions
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Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package directions for al dente. Rinse with cold water and allow to cool.
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Add the pasta to a large bowl along with the tomatoes, green pepper, romaine lettuce, and croutons. Drizzle with Den Dressing.
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Toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Notes
Den Dressing brings the distinctive flavor; use your preferred recipe or dressing.