Italian Chopped Salad

Name: Italian Chopped Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 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 22, 2025

by Sabrina

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This Italian Chopped Salad is a delightful medley of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, preparing a light lunch, or looking for a vibrant side dish, this salad fits the bill. With its mix of fresh veggies, savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and zesty red wine vinaigrette, every bite offers a taste of Italy that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: This salad comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for quick meals.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of fresh ingredients and zesty dressing creates an explosion of flavor in every bite.
Customizable: You can easily modify the recipe to suit your taste by adding or omitting ingredients.
Healthy Option: Loaded with vegetables and protein, this salad is nutritious without compromising on taste.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week for lunches or snacks.

Tools and Preparation

To create this Italian Chopped Salad efficiently, you will need some essential tools in your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Importance of Each Tool

Large salad bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients without spilling.
Medium mixing bowl: Ideal for mixing your dressing thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution.
Whisk: Helps emulsify the dressing for a smooth finish.
Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy.

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.

Feel free to enjoy this flavorful Italian Chopped Salad as part of any meal!

How to Serve Italian Chopped Salad

Italian Chopped Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it as a side or a main course, there are plenty of options to enhance your meal experience.

As a Side Dish

Barbecue Dishes: This salad pairs well with grilled meats, adding a refreshing contrast to smoky flavors.
Pasta Entrees: Serve alongside pasta dishes for a complete Italian feast, where the crispness complements the warmth of the pasta.
Sandwiches: A great accompaniment to sandwiches or wraps, providing crunch and freshness.

As a Main Course

Protein Addition: Top the salad with grilled chicken or shrimp for a satisfying main meal option.
Meal Prep Option: Perfect for meal prep; pack it in containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
Taco Salad Twist: Add taco meat and serve with tortilla chips for an exciting twist on classic flavors.

How to Perfect Italian Chopped Salad

Creating the perfect Italian Chopped Salad involves some key tips to elevate its flavor and texture. Here are some suggestions:

Bold Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients to enhance taste. Opt for ripe tomatoes and crisp lettuce.
Proper Dressing Timing: Dress the salad just before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the veggies.
Texture Variety: Incorporate different textures by adding crunchy nuts or seeds, which will make each bite interesting.
Season Generously: Don’t shy away from seasoning; adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference for maximum flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Chopped Salad

Pairing side dishes with Italian Chopped Salad can create a balanced meal. Here are some delicious options:

Garlic Bread: A warm and crispy addition that complements the freshness of the salad perfectly.
Caprese Skewers: Simple yet elegant, these skewers offer mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze.
Stuffed Peppers: Colorful peppers stuffed with rice and herbs provide hearty satisfaction alongside your salad.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus: This savory treat adds a touch of elegance while maintaining a light profile.
Pasta Primavera: A light pasta dish with seasonal vegetables that echoes the freshness of your salad.
Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with seasoned tomatoes makes for a fragrant and flavorful side.

These sides will complement your Italian Chopped Salad beautifully, enhancing both flavor and presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making an Italian Chopped Salad can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the final result. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:

Using wilted greens: Always use fresh, crisp lettuce. Wilted greens can ruin the salad’s texture and flavor.
Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a small amount, toss gently, and add more as needed.
Cutting ingredients unevenly: For even flavors and textures, chop all ingredients to a similar size. This helps ensure every bite is balanced.
Neglecting seasoning: Don’t forget to season your salad properly with salt and pepper. It enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
Skipping the chilling step: Letting the salad chill in the fridge for a bit before serving allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Italian Chopped Salad in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Italian Chopped Salad

Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to its fresh ingredients.
If you must freeze it, consider omitting ingredients like lettuce and tomatoes that do not thaw well.

Reheating Italian Chopped Salad

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm any cooked components separately before adding them back to the salad.
Microwave: Heat gently on medium power for short intervals, ensuring not to overheat or cook fresh ingredients.
Stovetop: Warm any portion on low heat while stirring frequently until just heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Italian Chopped Salad?

Italian chopped salad is a vibrant dish made with various fresh vegetables, cubed cheese, meats, and a tangy dressing.

Can I customize my Italian Chopped Salad?

Absolutely! You can add artichoke hearts, roasted peppers, or even swap out proteins to suit your taste preferences.

How long does it take to make Italian Chopped Salad?

This refreshing salad takes about 25 minutes from start to finish.

Can I make Italian Chopped Salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare individual components and store them separately; combine just before serving for optimal freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Chopped Salad is not only colorful and delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or serve it as a side or main dish. It’s perfect for any occasion—so why not give it a try?

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