Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, ½ inch thick slices
- 2 cups radicchio, ½ inch thick slices
- 15 ounces canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 6 ounces mozzarella cheese balls, halved
- 4 ounces sliced salami, ¼ inch thick slices
- 1 cup baby tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup sliced English cucumbers, quartered and ¼ inch thick slices
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- ¼ cup sliced red onion, ⅛ inch thick slices
- ⅓ cup sliced pepperoncini
- ¼ cup sliced fresh basil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing Ingredients
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Lettuce: Cut the romaine and radicchio into ¼-inch chopped pieces. Place the lettuce in a salad spinner and rinse thoroughly with cold water. Spin the leaves dry and cover them, refrigerating if not using immediately to keep them crisp.
- Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, dried Italian seasoning, mayonnaise, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil while whisking vigorously until the dressing becomes thick and emulsified. Taste the dressing and adjust salt and pepper as necessary. Refrigerate until ready to use to enhance flavors.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine, radicchio, rinsed and drained chickpeas, halved mozzarella balls, sliced salami, halved baby tomatoes, quartered cucumbers, sliced black olives, sliced red onions, sliced pepperoncini, fresh basil slices, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Dress the Salad: Pour ½ cup of the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together carefully, ensuring the salad is evenly coated but not bruised. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a crack of black pepper on top. Serve the remaining dressing on the side for adding more if desired.
Notes
- For best texture, ensure the lettuce is thoroughly spun dry before assembling.
- Adjust the amount of dressing according to personal preference; some may prefer it lighter or more dressed.
- Can be made ahead by preparing the dressing and chopping vegetables, then assembling just before serving.
- Substitute salami with a vegetarian option if desired.
- The mayonnaise in the dressing adds creaminess but can be omitted for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
