-1 head of iceberg lettuce, cleaned, dried, and cut into pieces
-¾ to 1 lb provolone cheese cut into small cubes
-½ lb salami cut into small cubes
-3 scallions
-1 can tuna, drained
-Parsley, oregano, salt, and parmesan cheese to taste.
-Wishbone Italian dressing
Mix all ingredients and serve cold.
We have a local family restaurant in Youngstown called Antone’s Kitchen. They are an Italian eatery that has been in business for over 60 years and is a staple in our community. They have some unique dishes, including their famous “fried cheese”. Another is their Antone’s Salad, which is my favorite!
I crave it. Sometimes when I’m running errands and need a little something, their smallest size, called “the monkey salad,” is just the right portion, perfect for a snack that actually fills you up. It’s a $1.50.
There’s nothing like a fresh one from the restaurant, but occasionally I’ll make one at home. The ingredients are simple and a little unusual. It’s fantastic! The dressing is the best part, but it’s hard to recreate. They do sell it if you’re looking to make it authentic. However, you can probably create your own type of vinaigrette, although it won’t taste the same as the original. The closest substitution I’ve used is Wishbone Italian dressing.
If you’re tired of a regular tossed salad for lunch, I would highly recommend it! If you’re ever around the Youngstown area, stop at Antone’s Kitchen for a bite. You won’t regret it!




Joann Rasmussen
That salad is one of the things I miss most about not living in Youngstown. I don’t know if they still have it, but they used to have a steak salad made with iceberg lettuce, their vinaigrette, warm steak, warm french fries and melted provolone cheese. It was to die for! I have tried to recreate it, but sadly I have failed!
myheartinpen
Hi Joann! Thanks for your comment. Yup. Youngstown sure has some awesome food. Many restaurants have steak/chicken salads. Antones has a menu like no other, for sure! And there is nothing like Youngstown pizza. That conversation is for another blog..lol
Melanie R
That sounds so interesting! I can’t imagine tuna with salami. But I’d try it!
myheartinpen
It’s a staple salad here in Youngstown and for some reason, the flavors work! I know you live near the city, but we have really, really good pizza here, too. We have many locally owned pizza shops. Very few chain pizza restaurants. My one son that lives in Chicago too can’t wait to get home and order Y-Town pizza..lol
Nicole MacPherson
I didn’t know you could buy anything for $1.50 anymore!
myheartinpen
Seriously..that’s just another reason why we love Antones! Do you know you can get a kids meal at Chipotle for $5? That’s another one of my spots to grab something small. I can’t eat huge lunch then run errands..yuck.
Suz
$1.50? WOWZA!
This salad sounds amazing; thank you for sharing. I hope to create this, this week!!
myheartinpen
Haha..yup! That’s why I stop there frequently if I need a snack! Let me know what you think!
Kari
This is such a different salad! Tuna with salami! I’m going to try this.
myheartinpen
Because this salad is such a “Youngstown thing”, it’s so funny to hear the different comments about this salad. I don’t know how it works, but it just does..lol!
Kari
I can’t wait to try it!