Italian Chopped Salad

Name: Italian Chopped Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486548H7M39S
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

Published: June 4, 2025

by Sabrina

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This vibrant and refreshing Italian Chopped Salad is a delightful mix of crisp lettuce, fresh veggies, cubed mozzarella, salami, chickpeas, and olives, all tossed in a tangy red wine vinaigrette. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light meal, this salad combines flavor and nutrition effortlessly. Enjoy the unique textures and tastes that make it a standout dish for any occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh Ingredients: The blend of crisp lettuce and colorful vegetables ensures every bite bursts with flavor.
Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time, you can whip this salad up in just 25 minutes.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like artichokes or croutons for an extra twist.
Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein from chickpeas and healthy fats from olive oil, this salad is both satisfying and nutritious.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether as a side dish or a light main course, this salad fits perfectly into any meal plan.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make preparing your Italian Chopped Salad even easier. Here are some essential items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large salad bowl
Medium mixing bowl
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Large salad bowl: A spacious bowl allows for easy tossing without spilling ingredients.
Medium mixing bowl: Necessary for whisking together the dressing ingredients uniformly.
Whisk: Ensures 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

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.

Enjoy this delicious Italian Chopped Salad as a refreshing addition to your meals!

How to Serve Italian Chopped Salad

Italian Chopped Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a family meal, serving this salad can elevate your dining experience.

As a Standalone Meal

Pair with grilled chicken or shrimp for a satisfying main course.
Add crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious vinaigrette.

At a Barbecue

Serve as a refreshing side dish that complements grilled meats.
Offer it alongside pasta dishes for a complete outdoor feast.

For Meal Prep

Pack individual portions in mason jars for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Keep dressing separate until ready to eat for maximum freshness.

As a Party Platter

Present in a large bowl and let guests serve themselves.
Garnish with extra Parmesan and pepperoncini for an inviting look.

How to Perfect Italian Chopped Salad

To make the most of your Italian Chopped Salad, consider these helpful tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality cheese to enhance flavor.
Cut Uniformly: Chop all ingredients into similar sizes for even distribution and easier eating.
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Customize Your Greens: Mix different types of lettuce like arugula or spinach for added texture and taste.
Add Protein: Consider adding grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein if serving as a main dish.
Adjust Dressing Quantity: Start with less dressing; you can always add more based on preference.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Chopped Salad

Italian Chopped Salad pairs well with various side dishes, enhancing your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some great options to consider:

Garlic Bread: Toasted bread with garlic butter makes a perfect accompaniment.
Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a delightful bite.
Stuffed Peppers: Colorful peppers filled with rice and veggies complement the salad’s flavors well.
Pasta Primavera: Lightly sautéed vegetables tossed with pasta provide an additional veggie boost.
Bruschetta: Tasty toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil is an inviting starter.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasoned zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers add smoky notes that pair beautifully.
Antipasto Platter: A variety of cured meats, cheeses, and olives provide a diverse tasting experience.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with herbs adds protein while keeping it fresh and healthy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Italian Chopped Salad, it’s easy to make simple errors that can affect the overall flavor and presentation.

Using wilted greens: Always choose fresh, crisp lettuce. Wilted greens can ruin the texture of your salad.
Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can overpower the ingredients. Start with a small amount and add more if needed.
Neglecting to rinse chickpeas: Rinsing canned chickpeas is essential to remove excess sodium and improve flavor. Always rinse before adding them.
Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your dressing correctly can result in blandness. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Assembling too early: If you prepare the salad ahead of time, it can become soggy. Assemble just before serving for maximum freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for best results.

Freezing Italian Chopped Salad

Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of fresh ingredients.
If you must freeze components, consider freezing only the chickpeas or salami separately.

Reheating Italian Chopped Salad

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place salad in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals until warmed through.
Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet, stirring occasionally until just warmed; avoid overheating to maintain freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making an Italian Chopped Salad.

Can I customize my Italian Chopped Salad?

Yes! You can add various ingredients like artichoke hearts or croutons for extra flavor and texture.

How long does Italian Chopped Salad last?

In the fridge, it will stay fresh for about 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Is this salad vegetarian?

You can make it vegetarian by omitting the salami. The other ingredients provide plenty of flavors.

What dressing works best with Italian Chopped Salad?

A red wine vinaigrette complements the flavors perfectly, but feel free to experiment with other dressings you enjoy.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Chopped Salad is not only vibrant and delicious but also versatile enough for any meal. Customize it with your favorite ingredients to suit your taste! Whether as a side dish or a light main course, this salad is sure to impress. Give it a try today!

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