Italian Chopped Salad

Name: Italian Chopped Salad
Prep time: 25 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 4, 2025

by Nora

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This vibrant and refreshing Italian Chopped Salad is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer picnic, a family dinner, or a potluck gathering. Loaded with crisp lettuce, fresh veggies, cubed mozzarella, salami, chickpeas, and olives, this salad offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Tossed in a tangy red wine vinaigrette, it serves as an excellent side dish or a light main course.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Flavor: Each bite combines the freshness of vegetables with the richness of cheese and protein.
Quick and Easy: Preparation takes only 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weekdays.
Customizable: Add your favorite ingredients to personalize the salad according to your taste.
Healthy Choice: Packed with nutritious ingredients like chickpeas and veggies, this salad is both satisfying and wholesome.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Italian Chopped Salad successfully, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large salad bowl
Medium mixing bowl
Whisk
Cutting board
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Large salad bowl: Perfect for combining all ingredients without making a mess.
Medium mixing bowl: Ideal for preparing the dressing separately before adding it to the salad.
Whisk: Ensures that your dressing is well combined for even flavor distribution.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface to chop your fresh ingredients safely.

Ingredients

This vibrant and refreshing Italian Chopped Salad is loaded with crisp lettuce, fresh veggies, cubed mozzarella, salami, chickpeas, and olives, all tossed in a tangy red wine vinaigrette. It’s perfect as a side dish or light main course for any occasion.

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.

How to Serve Italian Chopped Salad

This Italian Chopped Salad is not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving options. Whether you want to present it as a side dish or make it the star of your meal, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this vibrant salad.

As a Main Course

Top with Grilled Chicken: Add sliced grilled chicken breast for a heartier meal.
Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside a warm baguette or ciabatta for a satisfying experience.

As a Side Dish

Complement with Pasta: This salad pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes, enhancing the overall flavor.
Serve with BBQ: The freshness of the salad cuts through rich barbecue flavors, making it an ideal side.

For Meal Prep

Pack in Containers: Divide portions into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Layer Ingredients: Keep dressing separate until you’re ready to eat for optimal freshness.

How to Perfect Italian Chopped Salad

To ensure your Italian Chopped Salad stands out, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance both flavor and presentation, making your salad a hit at any gathering.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies and herbs will elevate the taste and crunchiness of your salad.
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the salad for 30 minutes before serving enhances its refreshing qualities.
Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute veggies based on what’s in season or available.
Mix Dressings: Experiment with different dressings like balsamic vinaigrette for a unique twist.
Add Nuts or Seeds: Tossing in some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds adds an extra crunch.
Balance Flavors: Make sure to balance salty ingredients like olives and salami with sweeter elements like tomatoes or bell peppers.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Chopped Salad

If you’re looking to complete your meal, consider these fantastic side dishes that pair well with Italian Chopped Salad. Each option complements the flavors of the salad beautifully.

Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that enhances any Italian meal; it’s perfect for dipping in dressing.
Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes and basil offers additional freshness.
Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on skewers create an easy-to-eat appetizer.
Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with rice and herbs make a filling accompaniment.
Antipasto Platter: A variety of cured meats, cheeses, and pickled vegetables provide a delightful starter.
Pasta Primavera: Lightly sautéed seasonal vegetables over pasta bring more depth to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Italian Chopped Salad, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the taste and presentation. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

Using stale ingredients: Freshness matters in a salad. Always choose crisp lettuce and ripe vegetables for the best flavor.
Skipping the dressing: The dressing brings all the ingredients together. Don’t forget to whisk it well before adding it to the salad.
Overdressing the salad: Too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a little and add more as needed.
Not chopping ingredients evenly: Uniform pieces ensure a balanced bite every time. Take your time when chopping veggies and cheese.
Serving immediately after dressing: Letting the salad sit for a few minutes after tossing allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

item Keep Italian Chopped Salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
item Store the dressing separately to maintain freshness.
item Add fresh toppings like cheese just before serving.

Freezing Italian Chopped Salad

item It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the texture of fresh vegetables will change once thawed.

Reheating Italian Chopped Salad

Oven: Not recommended for salads; best served cold or at room temperature.
Microwave: Avoid microwaving; it may wilt the greens and change textures.
Stovetop: Not applicable; salads are best enjoyed fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Italian Chopped Salad?

Italian Chopped Salad is a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, meats, cheeses, and beans, all tossed together with a tangy vinaigrette.

How long does Italian Chopped Salad last?

When stored properly in the fridge, Italian Chopped Salad can last up to 2 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Can I customize my Italian Chopped Salad?

Absolutely! You can add or remove ingredients based on your preferences. Try including artichoke hearts or croutons for extra crunch!

Is Italian Chopped Salad healthy?

Yes! This salad is packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables, protein from chickpeas and salami, and healthy fats from olive oil.

Can I make Italian Chopped Salad ahead of time?

You can prep ingredients in advance and store them separately. Combine them just before serving for optimal freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Chopped Salad is not only colorful but also versatile enough for any meal. With its crisp veggies and flavorful dressing, it’s perfect as a side dish or light main course. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients for an even more delightful experience!

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