This Italian Chopped Salad is fresh and colorful, packed with crunchy veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Toss in some tasty olives and mozzarella for a real treat!
I love how quick and easy it is to make; just chop and mix! It’s perfect for lunch or a side dish at dinner. Plus, it’s a great way to eat more veggies without even noticing! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Romaine Lettuce: This is your salad base. Romaine adds crunch but you can swap it with iceberg or spinach for a different texture. I love the freshness that spinach brings!
Radicchio: It brings a touch of bitterness that balances well with the salad. If it’s hard to find, you can use purple cabbage instead; it will add a nice color without the bitterness.
Chickpeas: They add protein and heartiness. If you prefer, you can switch them for kidney beans or black beans. I find black beans give a nice flavor twist!
Salami or Pepperoni: Both add a savory kick. If you want a lighter option, try diced turkey or omit meat for a vegetarian choice. Personally, I lean towards salami for its rich flavor.
Cheese: Provolone delivers a wonderful melt-in-your-mouth feel, but mozzarella or feta work great too! Feta can give a tangy flavor that I often crave in salads.
How Do I Make the Dressing Perfectly Balanced?
Getting the dressing right is key to the salad’s flavor. It should be tangy, rich, and a bit savory. Here’s how to mix it beautifully:
- Start by combining the red wine vinegar and olive oil. A good rule is 1 part vinegar to 1.5 parts oil for balance.
- Add the dried oregano and garlic powder. Fresh herbs are great too! Just use a bit more, as fresh herbs are less concentrated than dried.
- Season with salt and pepper. I like to add a pinch of sugar if the vinegar is a bit sharp.
- Whisk everything until it’s well mixed. For an even creamier texture, try blending it in a small jar!
Drizzling this dressing right before serving keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess. Enjoy the burst of flavor in every bite!
How to Make Italian Chopped Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup radicchio, chopped
- 1 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup salami or pepperoni, diced
- 1 cup provolone cheese, diced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (for garnish)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Italian chopped salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes chopping all the fresh ingredients and mixing a quick dressing, making it a perfect choice for a light meal or a side dish at any gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Base:
Start by taking a large bowl or platter and layer the chopped romaine lettuce and radicchio as the base of your salad. These greens give a nice crunch and beautiful color!
2. Add the Colorful Ingredients:
On top of the greens, separately pile the diced yellow bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, rinsed chickpeas, sliced black olives, and diced salami or pepperoni. Finish with the diced provolone cheese. This creates a lovely, colorful mosaic of ingredients that everyone will love!
3. Whisk the Dressing:
In a small bowl, combine the red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk well until the dressing is smooth and all ingredients are mixed together nicely.
4. Dress the Salad:
Just before you’re ready to serve the salad, drizzle the dressing over the top. Toss everything gently to combine all the tasty ingredients well without breaking them apart too much.
5. Top It Off:
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley over the salad for an extra pop of flavor. If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes too!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your vibrant and flavorful Italian chopped salad is ready to be enjoyed! Serve immediately and watch everyone dig in!
## FAQs for Italian Chopped Salad
Can I Use Other Types of Lettuce?
Absolutely! While romaine and radicchio provide great texture and flavor, you can substitute them with greens like iceberg lettuce, spinach, or arugula. Just make sure the greens you choose are sturdy enough to hold up with the other ingredients.
What Can I Substitute for Salami or Pepperoni?
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use diced cooked chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. Tofu or tempeh marinated in Italian dressing can also add a protein punch without meat!
How to Store Leftover Salad?
To keep leftovers fresh, store the salad components separately. Place the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing in a separate container and add it just before eating to maintain the salad’s crispness.
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The dressing can be made up to a week in advance. Just whisk all the ingredients together and store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Shake it well before using, as the oil and vinegar may separate over time.
