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: April 25, 2025

by Jessica

Pinterest Facebook WhatsApp X Yummly

This vibrant Italian Chopped Salad is a delightful medley of fresh ingredients that come together to create a refreshing dish. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer barbecue or a light lunch, this salad shines with its crisp textures and tangy flavors. The combination of lettuce, veggies, mozzarella, salami, and olives tossed in a zesty red wine vinaigrette makes it an irresistible choice for salad lovers.

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Flavorful: Each bite bursts with flavor from the combination of fresh vegetables and robust salami.
Quick and Easy: With just 25 minutes of prep time, this salad can be whipped up effortlessly.
Versatile for Any Meal: Serve it as a side dish or enjoy it as a light main course; it’s adaptable to your needs.
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite ingredients or add extras like artichoke hearts for variation.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the components in advance for quick assembly when you’re ready to serve.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Italian Chopped Salad efficiently, you’ll need some essential tools on hand. These items will help streamline your preparation process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large salad bowl
Medium mixing bowl
Whisk
Cutting board
Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

Large salad bowl: Essential for combining all the ingredients without spilling.
Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking together the dressing smoothly.
Whisk: Ensures even mixing of dressing ingredients, making it easy to incorporate flavors.
Sharp knife: Aids in quickly chopping vegetables into even pieces for better presentation.

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

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

Italian Chopped Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various accompaniments. Here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

As a Standalone Meal

Enjoy this salad by itself for a light and refreshing lunch or dinner option. It’s packed with protein and veggies, making it filling and nutritious.

With Grilled Chicken

Serve alongside grilled chicken breast for added protein. The flavors of the chicken complement the tangy dressing beautifully.

With Fresh Bread

Pair your Italian Chopped Salad with crusty Italian bread or breadsticks. They’re perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing!

Alongside Pasta Dishes

This salad works great as a side to pasta dishes like spaghetti or fettuccine. The fresh ingredients balance out the richness of the pasta.

For Meal Prep

Prepare individual servings in mason jars for easy grab-and-go lunches. Just layer the ingredients and keep the dressing separate until ready to eat.

At Barbecues or Picnics

Bring this salad to outdoor gatherings as a vibrant addition. It’s sure to impress guests and adds a refreshing touch to hearty barbecue fare.

How to Perfect Italian Chopped Salad

Creating the perfect Italian Chopped Salad involves using fresh ingredients and balancing flavors. Here are some tips to enhance your salad-making skills.

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use crisp lettuce and ripe vegetables for the best flavor and crunch.
Customize Your Add-Ins: Feel free to include artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers for extra variety.
Make It Ahead: Prepare the ingredients in advance but keep them separate until serving for maximum freshness.
Adjust the Dressing: Taste and adjust the seasoning of your vinaigrette based on personal preference, adding more garlic or vinegar if desired.
Serve Cold: Chill your salad before serving to enhance its refreshing qualities, especially on warm days.
Garnish Creatively: Consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an aromatic finish.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Chopped Salad

Italian Chopped Salad pairs well with various side dishes. Here are some excellent options to consider:

Garlic Bread
A classic choice, garlic bread adds a crunchy texture that complements the salad perfectly.
Caprese Skewers
These skewers made with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil provide a delightful burst of flavor alongside your salad.
Bruschetta
Topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, bruschetta offers a tasty appetizer that balances well with the salad’s tangy notes.
Stuffed Peppers
Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice, beans, or meat make for a hearty side that pairs nicely with an Italian theme.
Olive Tapenade
A spread made from olives adds an extra layer of flavor when served with crostini next to your salad.
Grilled Vegetables
Charred veggies like zucchini and bell peppers add smoky flavors that complement the freshness of the salad beautifully.
Focaccia Bread
Soft and fluffy focaccia is perfect for dipping into any leftover dressing from your salad.
Cheesy Polenta
Creamy polenta provides comfort food vibes that pair wonderfully with bright salads like this one.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Italian Chopped Salad, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Using old or wilted vegetables can ruin the salad’s crispness. Always opt for fresh produce for the best flavor and texture.
Overdressing the Salad: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a little, toss, and add more if necessary to maintain that perfect balance.
Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to season your salad properly can lead to blandness. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to both the salad and dressing for enhanced flavor.
Not Customizing: Sticking strictly to the recipe might limit your creativity. Feel free to add or substitute ingredients like artichoke hearts or bell peppers based on your taste.
Making it Too Early: Preparing the salad too far in advance may cause it to lose its freshness. Assemble just before serving for optimal crunchiness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

item Keep the Italian Chopped Salad in an airtight container.
item It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Italian Chopped Salad

item Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of fresh vegetables.
item If you must freeze, consider storing only the dressing separately.

Reheating Italian Chopped Salad

Oven: Not suitable for reheating; this salad is best enjoyed cold.
Microwave: Avoid microwaving; it will wilt the fresh ingredients.
Stovetop: This salad should not be reheated; serve it cold for maximum enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Italian Chopped Salad?

Italian Chopped Salad is a vibrant dish made with chopped vegetables, cheese, salami, and chickpeas, all tossed with a tangy vinaigrette.

Can I customize my Italian Chopped Salad?

Absolutely! You can add ingredients like artichoke hearts or croutons for extra flavor and texture. The options are endless!

How long does Italian Chopped Salad last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, this salad can last up to 3 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh.

What’s a good dressing alternative?

If you prefer a different flavor profile, try using balsamic vinaigrette or lemon olive oil instead of red wine vinaigrette.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Chopped Salad is not only colorful and delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether as a side dish or a light main course, it’s sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card