Italian Chopped Salad

Name: Italian Chopped Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 head romaine lettuce, roughly chopped; 1 cup chopped radicchio lettuce; 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into ¼-inch cubes; 4 ounces dry Italian salami, cut into matchsticks; 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained; 1 (2.25-ounce) can sliced black olives, rinsed and drained; 1 yellow bell pepper, diced; ½ English cucumber, diced; 6 pepperoncini, sliced; 1 cup halved grape tomatoes; ⅓ cup chopped red onion; ½ cup shaved Parmesan; ½ cup extra virgin olive oil; 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 1 clove garlic, grated; ¾ teaspoon dried oregano; ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Published: May 16, 2025

by Clare

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This vibrant Italian Chopped Salad is a delightful mix of fresh ingredients that come together to create a colorful and flavorful dish. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a healthy lunch option. The combination of crisp lettuce, hearty salami, creamy mozzarella, and tangy dressing makes this salad stand out. Plus, it can be easily customized to suit your tastes!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This salad comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy days.
Flavor Packed: Each bite bursts with fresh flavors from the variety of vegetables and the zesty dressing.
Versatile: Enjoy it as a side dish or as a light main course. You can also customize it with your favorite add-ins.
Healthy Option: Loaded with nutritious ingredients like chickpeas and fresh veggies, this salad is both satisfying and wholesome.
Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the ingredients in advance for an easy meal any day of the week.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will make preparing your Italian Chopped Salad seamless and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large salad bowl
Medium mixing bowl
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Large salad bowl: Provides ample space for tossing all the ingredients together without spilling.
Whisk: Ensures that the dressing ingredients are well combined for an even flavor throughout the salad.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

1 head romaine lettuce, roughly chopped
1 cup chopped radicchio lettuce
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into ¼-inch cubes
4 ounces dry Italian salami, cut into matchsticks
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 (2.25-ounce) can sliced black olives, rinsed and drained
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
½ English cucumber, diced
6 pepperoncini, sliced
1 cup halved grape tomatoes
⅓ cup chopped red onion
½ cup shaved Parmesan

For the Dressing:

½ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, grated
¾ teaspoon dried oregano
⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Italian Chopped Salad

Step 1: Assemble the Salad

Place the chopped romaine and radicchio in a large salad bowl.
Layer the mozzarella, salami, chickpeas, black olives, yellow bell pepper, cucumber, sliced pepperoncini, grape tomatoes, and red onion on top of the lettuce.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Season the dressing with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Toss the Salad

Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything to combine.
Sprinkle the shaved Parmesan over the top before serving.

With this guide on how to make an Italian Chopped Salad, you’ll have a refreshing dish ready in no time!

How to Serve Italian Chopped Salad

This Italian Chopped Salad is not only colorful and delicious but also versatile. It can be served in various ways to suit any dining occasion.

As a Standalone Meal

For a light lunch or dinner, serve the salad on its own. The combination of protein from chickpeas and salami makes it satisfying.

With Grilled Proteins

Pair with grilled chicken or shrimp for an added protein boost. The flavors complement each other beautifully, making it a hearty meal.

In a Wrap

Use large lettuce leaves to wrap the salad ingredients for a fun handheld option. This makes for an easy-to-eat lunch or snack.

As a Side Dish

Serve alongside pasta dishes or grilled meats. The fresh flavors of the salad balance out rich main courses perfectly.

How to Perfect Italian Chopped Salad

To elevate your Italian Chopped Salad, consider these helpful tips that enhance flavor and presentation.

Fresh Ingredients: Always use the freshest vegetables and herbs for the best taste.
Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to mix in seasonal vegetables like zucchini or radishes for variety.
Make Ahead: Prepare the salad ingredients separately and combine them just before serving to maintain freshness.
Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning in the dressing by tasting it before adding to ensure it’s just right.
Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for 15-30 minutes allows flavors to meld together.
Add Crunch: Incorporate croutons or nuts for added texture and crunch.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Chopped Salad

This vibrant salad pairs well with many side dishes that enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty garlic bread complements the freshness of the salad while adding a comforting touch.
Pasta Primavera: Lightly sautéed seasonal vegetables with pasta provide a harmonious pairing with this chopped salad.
Caprese Skewers: These skewers offer a fresh, bite-sized option that echoes the flavors found in your salad.
Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil adds an Italian classic that enhances your meal’s theme.
Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with grains or protein can make a filling side dish that pairs beautifully with the salad.
Cheese Platter: A selection of Italian cheeses such as Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano offers a rich contrast to the crispness of the salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Italian Chopped Salad, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can impact flavor and freshness. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or wilted vegetables can ruin the salad’s appeal. Always select fresh produce for the best taste and texture.
Overdressing the Salad: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a little, toss, and add more if needed to achieve your desired flavor.
Not Chopping Ingredients Evenly: Unevenly chopped ingredients can lead to an unbalanced bite. Aim for uniformity in size for a better mix of flavors.
Skipping the Seasoning: Failing to season the dressing properly can make your salad bland. Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
Making Too Much Ahead of Time: Preparing the salad too far in advance can lead to sogginess. Assemble it just before serving for optimal freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Add shaved Parmesan just before serving to maintain texture.

Freezing Italian Chopped Salad

Freezing is not recommended due to the high water content in vegetables.
If necessary, freeze only the dressing separately for up to 1 month.
Thaw dressing overnight in the refrigerator when ready to use.

Reheating Italian Chopped Salad

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread any leftover salad on a baking sheet and warm gently without drying out.
Microwave: Heat in short increments (15-20 seconds) on low power until warm; be cautious not to overcook.
Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a skillet, stirring gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Italian Chopped Salad?

Italian Chopped Salad is a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, cheeses, and meats dressed with tangy vinaigrette. It’s perfect as a side or main dish.

Can I customize my Italian Chopped Salad?

Absolutely! You can add ingredients like artichoke hearts or croutons for more flavor and texture based on your preference.

How do I make this salad vegetarian?

To prepare a vegetarian version of Italian Chopped Salad, simply omit the salami while keeping all other ingredients as they are.

How long does it take to prepare?

The total preparation time for this Italian Chopped Salad is approximately 25 minutes, making it a quick option for meals.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Chopped Salad is not only colorful and delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or serve it alongside various dishes. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its refreshing flavors!

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