Description
This Italian Chopped Salad is a fresh, vibrant mix of crisp vegetables, savory meats, creamy cheese, and a zesty homemade Italian dressing. Packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures, this easy chopped salad recipe is perfect as a side dish or a hearty main for lunches, dinners, or gatherings.
Ingredients
- Romaine lettuce, chopped
- Iceberg lettuce, chopped
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Cucumber, diced
- Red onion, finely chopped
- Bell peppers, chopped
- Black olives, sliced
- Salami, chopped
- Mozzarella cheese, cubed or pearls
- Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
For the Dressing:
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic, minced
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine romaine and iceberg lettuce.
- Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, olives, salami, mozzarella, and chickpeas.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Toss well until everything is evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
Notes
Chop ingredients evenly for the perfect “chopped salad” texture.Keep dressing separate until serving to prevent sogginess.Add pepperoncini for extra tang and a slight kick.Swap salami for grilled chicken for a lighter option.Add cooked pasta to turn this into a pasta salad.
