I'm French (well, not 100%, but my Dad is) and I'm a LOVER of all things Italian. The food. My husband. The food (oh, did I say that already).

When I married my 100% Italian husband, I was pretty excited about all the Italian food I was going to get to try (and, of course, spend the rest of my life with the love of my life...hehe!).

One dish that I've always had a love affair with is Antipasto Salad. All the fun Italian meats mixed with veggies and Italian dressing. Mmmm....delightful.

After living on Guam for a year with my husband, we were back in Florida visiting with his family. I met his Aunt for the first time and she served Antipasto Salad in a way that I've never seen before.

It was presented in a way that looked similar to lasagna. In a Pyrex dish. Layered with all the Antipasto fixin's. "WOW," I thought. "How cool is that."

I mean, I've only eaten it like a salad; veggies and meats all "mixed" together in a bowl.

Sometimes I'll get a little creative and add some pasta in, switch out the romaine with spinach and use mozzarella, instead of provolone. But it's still "salad" style in a bowl. As you can see below. :)

After learning this fun way to present and EAT Antipasto Salad from Damian's Aunt, it's been a staple in our house since.

I make it a lot, mainly during the Spring and Summer months because it's so cooling and crisp! And, it's just SO easy and fun. You can whip this up in no time!

Also, when I have leftovers, I'll turn it into a sandwich (Italian sub baby! OH YEAH!) for lunch.

OH, and to top it all off, I make my own Italian dressing. Damian's grandmother taught me to just peel a few garlic cloves and then just put it in whole. That way the dressing is infused with garlic as it sits for a few days. And, less work to do, too! Ha! :)

So reFRESHing and GOOD!

This night, I had some bread that needed to be eaten. So I made some Mozzarella Garlic Toast on the side. It truly was an 100% Italian night in our house (except for the Frenchie in the house...that would be me...oh, and my dog, who is from Australia...lol).

But, what I love the most of all, is how food can be shown in different ways from different people.

I'm sure this way of eating Antipasto Salad has been in my husband's life for awhile now. For me, it's only been in my life for 6 years.

And even though we all know what Antipasto Salad is, it's pretty cool to see someone else put their own unique spin on it (and that goes for any food!). Love that!

Do you have any dishes that you put your spin on? Or just presented in a unique way that isn't usually seen?

Happy Friday and remember...

{food IS amazing}

Antipasto "Lasagna Style" Salad

Ingredients Antipasto Salad

1 bunch of Romaine Lettuce (washed)
1 onion (sliced) I used white here because I didn't have a red onion, but I prefer red onion, but white is just as yummy!
1 tomato (sliced)
1 can of black olives
1 handful of fresh parsley
6 slices of provolone cheese
6 slices of prosciutto
6 slices of salami
6 slices of capicola

Italian Dressing
1 cup of olive oil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 to 4 tablespoons of water
1 tablespoon of dried Italian seasonings
1 to 2 whole garlic cloves (peeled)
dash of salt and pepper

Mozzarella Garlic Toast
1 garlic clove
Mozzarella slices
1 to 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (don't want too much on the bread, just enough to cover so it can get crisp
Any bread you like for toasting (I used french bread here)

Directions
1. You will need one "lasagna style" dish. I use a Pyrex dish.
2. First layer - romaine lettuce. Add as many as you'd like. I like a lot of greens! :)
3. Second layer - provolone cheese
4. Next layers - meats - can layer them any way you'd like. I think I did salami, capicola then prosciutto.
5. Add sliced tomato, then sliced onion, black olives and then top with fresh parsley.
6. Cut into squares.
7. Serve on your favorite plate.
8. Mix all the dressing ingredients together and then drizzle on salad.
9. For the bread, take the garlic and cut in half. Then rub onto bread. Then spread some olive oil on the bread. Next, add the mozzarella slice on top. Sprinkle with some Italian seasonings. Then place under broiler for about 5 minutes. The cheese will let you know when it's done by bubbling and turning brown. Mmmm...SO GOOD! :)
10. Turn off all distractions, sit down by yourself or with your family, take a few deep breaths, say how much gratitude you have for your food, your family, your life and dig in, slowly and savor the deliciousness!