Italian Chopped Salad Recipe

If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that bursts with freshness and satisfies with every bite, this Italian Chopped Salad is exactly what you need. Packed with crisp iceberg and romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and the perfect blend of savory salami and provolone, this salad isn’t just a side—it’s a celebration of Italian-inspired goodness. The zesty homemade dressing ties everything together with bright notes of red wine vinegar and garlic, making this Italian Chopped Salad a true crowd-pleaser that’s as colorful as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to making this Italian Chopped Salad sing. Each component brings its own unique texture, color, and flavor, creating a harmonious and satisfying salad experience.

• Iceberg Lettuce: Provides a crunchy, refreshing base that keeps the salad light and crisp.
• Romaine Lettuce: Adds a slightly bitter bite and sturdy texture for contrast.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Offer juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant red color.
• English Cucumber: Brings coolness and a mild crunch that balances richness.
• Fresh Mozzarella: Soft and creamy, this cheese elevates the salad with its gentle richness.
• Salami: Adds a savory, slightly spicy depth that makes every forkful more interesting.
• Provolone Cheese: Enhances the savory notes with its mild, nutty flavor.
• Chickpeas: Bring a hearty, nutty element and a bit of extra protein.
• Pepperoncinis: Finely diced for a mild tangy heat that wakes up the palate.
• Red Onion (optional): Thinly sliced for a sharp, slightly sweet crunch if you like a little extra bite.
• Shaved Parmesan Cheese: Used as a finishing touch for its bold, savory flavor.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: The heart of the dressing, adding smooth richness with Italian authenticity.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Brings a zesty acidity that balances the olive oil and fresh ingredients.
• Garlic Clove: Minced for a punch of fragrant depth.
• Dried Oregano: Offers aromatic herbiness to tie the salad’s flavors together.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and silky texture to the dressing.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every flavor in the salad.

How to Make Italian Chopped Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients

The foundation of the Italian Chopped Salad is in the chopping. Start by cutting the iceberg and romaine lettuce into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure every forkful is easy and balanced. Next, chop the cherry tomatoes and English cucumber, letting their juicy freshness shine. Don’t forget to cube the mozzarella and provolone cheeses as well as the salami, striking the perfect balance between creamy, savory, and meaty elements. Finally, finely dice the pepperoncini peppers for their gentle kick and slice the red onion if you like a punch of sharpness.

Step 2: Prepare the Chickpeas

Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly to remove excess liquid and canny flavors. If you want to amp up their flavor, toss them in a tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil with a sprinkle of basil, oregano, and a pinch of red chili flakes. This step is optional but highly recommended to bring that subtle seasoning punch, making your Italian Chopped Salad even more memorable.

Step 3: Make the Homemade Dressing

Whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This zesty dressing is where the magic happens, marrying all the salad components with bright, herbal, and tangy notes. For a super smooth and creamy texture, you can blend it with an immersion blender or in a regular blender. Taste and tweak the seasoning to make it just right for your palate.

Step 4: Toss and Combine

When it’s time to serve this Italian Chopped Salad, toss all the chopped ingredients gently in a large bowl. Pour over your freshly made dressing and combine everything thoroughly so that each bite contains the perfect blend of flavors and textures. The dressing should lightly coat every leaf and morsel, uniting this medley of ingredients into one irresistible dish.

How to Serve Italian Chopped Salad

Garnishes

Finish your Italian Chopped Salad with a generous sprinkling of shaved Parmesan cheese, adding a salty, savory hug to every mouthful. A few red pepper flakes can bring just the right hint of heat if you want to spice things up, and a crack of freshly ground black pepper adds a friendly bite. These garnishes aren’t just for looks—they elevate each taste sensation beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Italian Chopped Salad shines brightly alongside grilled chicken, crusty Italian bread, or even a creamy risotto. It’s perfect for picnics or light dinners and pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with a splash of lemon. Whether you want an easy lunch or a complementary side, this salad fits right in.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, layer the salad ingredients in a large mason jar for a gorgeous layered look before tossing. Alternatively, serve it family-style in a vibrant ceramic bowl surrounded by fresh basil sprigs and lemon wedges to get everyone excited for the meal. You can also add edible flowers for that extra pop of wow factor. Presentation transforms this Italian Chopped Salad from everyday to unforgettable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Italian Chopped Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of the crisp lettuce and fresh dressing, it’s best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days to keep textures and flavors fresh and bright. To avoid sogginess, you can store the dressing separately and toss just before serving.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this Italian Chopped Salad because the fresh lettuce and tomatoes will become mushy when thawed. Instead, focus on prepping the dressing in advance and making the salad fresh to keep everything vibrant and crisp.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you want to warm up any protein you serve alongside it, such as grilled chicken or sausage, do so separately to preserve the salad’s fresh texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Italian Chopped Salad vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses, and swap them with your favorite plant-based cheese or extra chickpeas for protein. The dressing is naturally vegan, so you’ll still get that delicious Italian-inspired flavor.

How long does Italian Chopped Salad last?

For the best taste and texture, eat the salad within 1-2 days when refrigerated properly. Prepping ingredients in advance is fine, but tossing with dressing right before serving keeps everything crisp and fresh.

Can I substitute ingredients in this salad?

Definitely! You can swap salami for pepperoni, add olives for extra briny flavor, or switch up the cheeses based on what you have on hand. The essence of the Italian Chopped Salad is a balance of fresh and savory components, so feel free to get creative.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes! This Italian Chopped Salad contains no gluten ingredients, making it a perfect choice for anyone avoiding gluten. Just be mindful of any pre-packaged meats or cheeses if you have a severe gluten sensitivity.

What dressing goes best with Italian Chopped Salad?

The homemade dressing of extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, and Dijon mustard is authentically Italian and pairs perfectly. You can adjust flavors or add a touch of honey if you like a slightly sweeter tang.

Final Thoughts

I can’t encourage you enough to try this Italian Chopped Salad—it’s one of those dishes that wakes up your taste buds and feels like sunshine on a plate. With each fresh, chopped ingredient and that zesty dressing tying it all together, it’s no wonder this salad quickly becomes a favorite at any meal. Whip it up soon, share it with friends, and watch your kitchen become the happiest place to be.

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