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 9, 2025

by Sofia

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This Italian Chopped Salad is a bright and delicious dish that brings together a variety of fresh ingredients for a satisfying meal. Loaded with crisp lettuce, colorful veggies, creamy mozzarella, and savory salami, it’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or light lunches. The tangy red wine vinaigrette adds a zesty touch that elevates the flavors, making this salad a standout choice for any occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Flavorful: Each bite bursts with freshness thanks to the mix of vegetables and high-quality ingredients.
Quick Preparation: You can whip up this salad in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients or adjust the dressing to suit your taste.
Health-Conscious Option: Packed with protein and fiber from chickpeas and veggies, this salad is both filling and nutritious.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a light main course or serve as an impressive side dish at your next event.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Italian Chopped Salad, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large salad bowl
Medium mixing bowl
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Large salad bowl: Provides enough space to combine all ingredients without spilling.
Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking together the dressing without splattering.
Whisk: Ensures that the dressing ingredients are thoroughly mixed for even flavor distribution.

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. Gently toss everything to combine. Sprinkle the shaved Parmesan over the top before serving.

With these simple steps completed, you’ll have a vibrant Italian Chopped Salad ready to impress! Enjoy this delightful meal on its own or alongside other dishes for a fabulous feast.

How to Serve Italian Chopped Salad

Italian Chopped Salad is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want it as a main dish or a side, there are plenty of serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

As a Light Main Course

Serve it chilled for a refreshing light lunch or dinner option that’s satisfying and full of flavor.

Paired with Grilled Proteins

Accompany the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak for a more substantial meal that complements the salad’s freshness.

In a Wrap

Use the Italian Chopped Salad as a filling for wraps. Just scoop some into a tortilla and roll it up for an on-the-go meal.

With Crusty Bread

Pair the salad with slices of crusty Italian bread or focaccia. The bread will soak up the delicious vinaigrette, enhancing every bite.

As Part of a Buffet

Include this salad in a buffet spread. Its colorful presentation and variety of flavors make it appealing to guests at gatherings.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

Top your salad with fresh basil or parsley for an aromatic finish that enhances its Italian roots and adds extra freshness.

How to Perfect Italian Chopped Salad

To ensure your Italian Chopped Salad turns out perfectly every time, consider these tips.

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs make all the difference in flavor and texture.
Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Adjust dressing to taste: Feel free to tweak the dressing ingredients based on your preference for acidity or spice.
Cut ingredients uniformly: For an appealing presentation, chop all ingredients into similar sizes so they mix well and look inviting.
Don’t overdress: Start with less dressing and add more as needed to avoid soggy greens.
Add toppings just before serving: Keep crunchy elements like croutons or nuts separate until serving time to maintain their texture.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Chopped Salad

This Italian Chopped Salad pairs well with many side dishes, adding variety to your meal. Here are some great options:

Garlic Bread: Toasted bread with garlic butter is a classic choice that complements any salad beautifully.
Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and roasted vegetables brings out the flavors of Italy.
Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a delightful finger food option.
Stuffed Peppers: Colorful peppers filled with rice, cheese, and herbs add both color and substance alongside your salad.
Pasta Primavera: A light pasta dish featuring seasonal vegetables enhances the overall freshness of your meal.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies grilled to perfection offer a smoky contrast to the crispness of your salad.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide comfort and pair well with the tangy flavors of the chopped salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making an Italian Chopped Salad, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Using wilted greens: Always choose fresh, crisp romaine and radicchio. Wilted greens can ruin the texture and flavor of your salad.
Skipping the dressing: Don’t forget to dress your salad! A good vinaigrette enhances all the flavors. Make sure you toss it well.
Overloading with toppings: While it’s tempting to add every ingredient in your pantry, too many toppings can overpower the salad. Stick to a balanced mix for best results.
Not seasoning properly: Seasoning is crucial. Don’t skip adding salt and pepper to the dressing, as it elevates the taste of the entire dish.
Making it too early: Prepare your Italian Chopped Salad close to serving time. This ensures freshness and prevents soggy ingredients.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness.

Freezing Italian Chopped Salad

It is not recommended to freeze this salad due to the texture changes in fresh ingredients.
If you must freeze, consider only freezing individual components like chickpeas or salami.

Reheating Italian Chopped Salad

Oven: Not suitable for reheating; serve fresh.
Microwave: Avoid using a microwave as it will make the lettuce wilt.
Stovetop: Not applicable; best enjoyed cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Italian Chopped Salad?

An Italian Chopped Salad is a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, mozzarella, salami, and chickpeas dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. It’s perfect as a side dish or light main course.

Can I customize my Italian Chopped Salad?

Absolutely! You can add ingredients like artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or croutons based on your preference.

How long does Italian Chopped Salad last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, it will last about 2 days. Just keep the dressing separate until serving.

Is this salad vegetarian-friendly?

Yes! You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the salami and adding more veggies or beans for protein.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Chopped Salad is not only colorful and delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients for a personal touch. Enjoy this refreshing dish at your next gathering!

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