This vibrant Italian Chopped Salad is your ticket to a flavor-packed, satisfying meal that comes together in a snap. Forget boring salads – we’re talking crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, savory salami, and a tangy homemade Italian dressing that ties it all together. Perfect for a light lunch, a side dish that steals the show, or a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortlessly Delicious: No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Just chop, toss, and enjoy a symphony of flavors.
Customizable: Don’t be afraid to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or what your taste buds are craving. The possibilities are endless!
Quick & Easy: This salad is ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a last-minute dish to impress.
Healthy & Satisfying: Packed with fresh vegetables, protein, and healthy fats, this salad is both nutritious and filling.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Iceberg Lettuce: Provides a refreshing crunch and a base for all the other wonderful ingredients.
Romaine Lettuce: Adds a bit more substance and a slightly bitter note to balance the sweetness of the other ingredients.
Cherry Tomatoes: Burst with sweetness and add a pop of color. Feel free to use diced tomatoes if that’s what you have!
English Cucumber: Offers a cool, crisp texture. These are great because they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin.
Fresh Mozzarella: Brings a creamy, milky richness. Use balls, pearls, or chop a larger ball into bite-sized pieces.
Salami: Adds a salty, savory depth. Go for a good quality salami – you’ll taste the difference!
Provolone Cheese: Contributes a sharper, slightly tangy counterpoint to the mozzarella.
Chickpeas: Introduce a hearty, nutty element. Rinse them well to remove any excess sodium!
Pepperoncinis: Lend a tangy, slightly spicy kick. Dice them finely, unless you like a big burst of flavor.
Red Onion: (Optional) For a sharp, pungent bite. If you’re sensitive to raw onions, you can soak them in cold water for a few minutes to mellow the flavor.
Shaved Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami finish.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: The foundation of our flavorful dressing.
Red Wine Vinegar: Provides a tangy acidity to balance the oil.
Garlic Clove: Adds a pungent, aromatic base.
Dried Oregano: Contributes a classic Italian flavor.
Dijon Mustard: Emulsifies the dressing and adds a subtle tang.
Salt and Pepper: To enhance all the other flavors.

Variations

Want to shake things up? Here are some ideas:

Add Some Heat: Toss in some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Get Creative with Cheese: Try adding some Gorgonzola, feta, or even crumbled goat cheese for extra flavor.
More Veggies: Roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or olives would be delicious additions.
Protein Power: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even hard-boiled eggs would turn this salad into a complete meal.

How to Make Italian Chopped Salad

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Chop the iceberg and romaine lettuce into bite-size pieces. Chop the tomatoes, cucumbers, mozzarella, provolone, and salami. Finely dice the pepperoncini peppers. Slice the red onion if using.

Step 2: Season the Chickpeas (Optional)

Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano, and a pinch of red chili flakes, if desired.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. For a smoother dressing, blend it with an immersion blender or in a regular blender.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

When ready to serve, toss all of the ingredients together in a large salad bowl with the dressing. Garnish with shaved parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and crushed black pepper.

Italian Chopped Salad Recipe: A Burst of Freshness!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill Your Ingredients: Cold ingredients stay crisper and the flavors meld together better.
Don’t Dress Too Early: Dress the salad just before serving to prevent the lettuce from wilting.
Quality Matters: Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. This is especially true for the olive oil, salami, and cheese.

How to Serve

This Italian Chopped Salad is incredibly versatile!

Main Course

Enjoy it as a light and refreshing main course for lunch or dinner.

Side Dish

Pair it with grilled chicken, steak, or fish.

Appetizer

Serve it as a vibrant appetizer for a party or gathering.

Serve With

Crusty bread, Garlic bread, a glass of white wine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store dressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The lettuce may become slightly less crisp, but the flavor will still be great.

Dressing Storage

Store homemade dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended as the lettuce and other fresh vegetables will lose their texture.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold and does not require reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of lettuce?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other types of lettuce, such as butter lettuce, spring mix, or even arugula. Each type will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the salad.

2. What if I don’t have red wine vinegar?

No problem! You can substitute it with white wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or even lemon juice. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.

3. Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, definitely! Simply omit the mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheese. You can also add some marinated artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

4. Can I add other vegetables or ingredients that I prefer?

Absolutely! This salad is incredibly customizable, so feel free to add or substitute any ingredients that you like. Some great additions include roasted bell peppers, olives, or even grilled chicken or shrimp.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Chopped Salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly customizable. Give it a try – you won’t be disappointed! Now, go chop, toss, and enjoy!