Italian Chopped Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Italian Chopped Salad is perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors and fresh, wholesome ingredients. The combination of crisp iceberg and romaine lettuce, paired with juicy cherry tomatoes, cool cucumber, and creamy mozzarella, gives the salad a delightful crunch and freshness. The salami and provolone cheese add a savory, meaty depth, while the chickpeas and pepperoncini contribute just the right amount of zing. Topped with a rich homemade Italian dressing, this salad is an explosion of flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 head Iceberg Lettuce (about 3 cups)
• 1 head Romaine Lettuce (about 3 to 4 cups)
• 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes (or 1 cup of diced)
• 1 English Cucumber (sliced)
• 8 ounces Fresh Mozzarella (cut into bite-size pieces)
• ¼ to ½ lb Salami (cut into bite-size pieces)
• 4 ounces Provolone Cheese (cut into bite-size pieces)
• 1 (14-ounce) can Chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 2 Tablespoons Pepperoncinis (finely diced)
• ¼ Red Onion (sliced, optional)
• Shaved Parmesan Cheese (for topping)

For the Homemade Italian Dressing:

• ½ cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
• ¼ cup Red Wine Vinegar
• 1 Garlic Clove (minced)
• ½ teaspoon Dried Oregano
• ½ teaspoon Dijon Mustard
• ½ teaspoon each Salt and Pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the salad ingredients: Chop the iceberg and romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, mozzarella, salami, provolone cheese, chickpeas, and pepperoncini.
2. Optional: Add red onion: If desired, slice the red onion thinly and add it to the salad for an extra layer of flavor.
3. Make the Italian dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake the mixture until it’s well-combined and emulsified.
4. Toss the salad: Pour the homemade Italian dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.
5. Top with parmesan: Sprinkle shaved parmesan cheese over the salad before serving.
6. Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy this vibrant, flavorful salad!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 people as a main salad or 6-8 as a side dish.
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Add protein: For a more filling salad, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage to make it a complete meal.
• Vegan option: Omit the salami, provolone, and mozzarella. You can replace the cheese with vegan cheese or tofu for added texture.
• More vegetables: Add sliced bell peppers, radishes, or olives for extra flavor and color.
• Spicy version: If you like heat, increase the amount of pepperoncini or add some red pepper flakes to the dressing.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. If storing leftovers, keep the dressing separate to prevent the greens from wilting.
• Reheating: There’s no need to reheat this salad, as it’s meant to be served chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I make the Italian dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dressing up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and shake it well before using.

2. Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Yes, you can substitute the iceberg and romaine with other lettuces, such as butter lettuce, arugula, or even spinach for a different flavor.

3. Is the red onion necessary?

The red onion is optional. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit it or use green onions instead.

4. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, you can use pre-shredded mozzarella and provolone cheese if you prefer a quicker option, but fresh blocks of cheese usually provide better flavor and texture.

5. Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that your salami and other ingredients do not contain gluten.

6. Can I substitute the salami with something else?

If you’re not a fan of salami, you can substitute it with other cured meats like pepperoni, or even a leaner option like turkey breast.

7. Can I use store-bought dressing instead of homemade?

Yes, you can use a store-bought Italian dressing, but homemade dressing adds a personal touch and can be adjusted to your taste.

8. Can I add more beans to the salad?

Certainly! You can add other types of beans like kidney beans or black beans for more protein and fiber.

9. How can I make this salad spicier?

Add extra pepperoncini or drizzle some hot sauce over the salad for added heat.

10. Can I use frozen mozzarella?

Fresh mozzarella is best for this salad, but if you only have frozen mozzarella, make sure it is fully thawed and drained before using.

Conclusion

This Italian Chopped Salad is a vibrant, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its combination of fresh vegetables, savory meats, and creamy cheese, along with the zesty homemade Italian dressing, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at any meal. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or making it the main event, this salad is a delicious way to enjoy the bold flavors of Italy!

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