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: April 26, 2025

by Lizzy

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This Italian Chopped Salad is a colorful and tasty dish that brings together fresh ingredients in every bite. Perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a refreshing side at family dinners, this salad combines various textures and flavors that delight the palate. With crisp veggies, creamy mozzarella, and zesty dressing, it’s a versatile recipe that can be tailored to fit any occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: This salad comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a quick option for busy weeknights.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of fresh ingredients and tangy dressing creates a burst of flavor in each serving.
Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Healthy Choice: Loaded with vegetables and protein from chickpeas, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time for lunches or dinners throughout the week without losing freshness.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

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 mixing of all ingredients without spilling.
Whisk: Perfect for blending salad dressings smoothly, ensuring all flavors meld together.
Knife: A sharp knife is essential for cutting veggies evenly, enhancing the presentation of your salad.

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.

Enjoy your vibrant Italian Chopped Salad! It’s sure to impress family and friends alike.

How to Serve Italian Chopped Salad

Italian Chopped Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you serve it as a side or a main dish, the fresh ingredients and zesty dressing make it an excellent choice for any meal.

As a Side Dish

Pair it with grilled meats to balance the richness of the meat with the salad’s freshness.
Serve alongside pasta dishes for a refreshing complement to heavier meals.

As a Light Lunch

Enjoy it on its own for a light lunch that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Add some crusty bread on the side for a complete meal experience.

At Gatherings and Parties

Offer it at potlucks as a crowd-pleaser; its colorful presentation is sure to attract attention.
Serve in individual cups for easy sharing during gatherings.

How to Perfect Italian Chopped Salad

Creating the perfect Italian Chopped Salad involves selecting fresh ingredients and ensuring that all components work together harmoniously.

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest vegetables and herbs available for an optimal flavor profile.
Customize to Taste: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences, such as adding avocado or different types of cheese.
Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad rest in the fridge for about 15 minutes enhances the flavors and makes it more refreshing.
Use Quality Olive Oil: A good extra virgin olive oil can elevate your dressing, providing depth and richness.
Balance Flavors: Adjust the acidity of your dressing by adding more vinegar or olive oil as needed to suit your taste buds.
Mix Just Before Serving: Toss the salad right before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Chopped Salad

Italian Chopped Salad pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some options that complement this vibrant salad nicely.

Garlic Bread: Crispy and buttery garlic bread adds a delicious crunch and flavor contrast to the salad.
Caprese Skewers: These skewers of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil are fresh and easy to eat, enhancing your meal’s Italian theme.
Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted veggies brings out earthy flavors that pair well with the salad’s bright ingredients.
Pasta Primavera: Lightly sautéed vegetables mixed with pasta offer a filling option that complements the salad well.
Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites filled with cheese and herbs provide rich flavors that balance out the salad’s freshness.
Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables makes for an inviting spread alongside the salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Italian Chopped Salad from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Using wilted lettuce: Freshness is key! Always use crisp, vibrant greens for the best flavor and texture.
Overdressing the salad: Too much dressing can overpower the ingredients. Start with a little and add more as needed.
Neglecting seasoning: A pinch of salt and pepper enhances flavors. Don’t forget to season both the salad and the dressing!
Skipping the resting time: Letting the salad sit for a few minutes allows flavors to meld together. Patience makes a difference!
Forgetting about customization: The Italian Chopped Salad is versatile. Experiment with different veggies, proteins, or dressings to suit your taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness.

Freezing Italian Chopped Salad

Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes in vegetables and lettuce.
If necessary, freeze only cooked components like chickpeas separately.

Reheating Italian Chopped Salad

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm gently in an oven-safe dish for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for short intervals of 30 seconds until warmed through.
Stovetop: Add a splash of water in a pan over medium heat and stir until heated, being careful not to overcook.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Italian Chopped Salad unique?

Italian Chopped Salad stands out with its combination of fresh ingredients like mozzarella, salami, and a tangy vinaigrette that brings everything together.

Can I make Italian Chopped Salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing separately up to one day in advance. Just combine them before serving.

Is Italian Chopped Salad healthy?

Absolutely! This salad includes nutritious ingredients like chickpeas and a variety of vegetables, making it a healthy choice when enjoyed in moderation.

How can I customize my Italian Chopped Salad?

You can add ingredients such as artichoke hearts, roasted peppers, or even switch up proteins based on your preference. The options are endless!

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the salami for a delicious vegetarian version that still packs plenty of flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Italian Chopped Salad is not just a dish; it’s an experience filled with vibrant flavors and textures. Perfect as a light main or side dish, it offers endless customization possibilities based on your preferences. Try it today and enjoy this refreshing take on salad!

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