Name: Italian Chopped Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped; 1 cup radicchio, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; ½ red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup kalamata olives, sliced; ½ cup pepperoncini, sliced; 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 4 oz salami, sliced into strips; 4 oz provolone cheese, cut into strips; ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; ¼ cup olive oil; 2 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tsp oregano; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper

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Short Description

Italian Chopped Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring crisp lettuce, fresh vegetables, savory meats, cheese, and a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect as a light main course or a refreshing side dish, this salad is packed with bold flavors and textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crisp and Refreshing – A perfect balance of fresh greens and hearty toppings.
Flavor-Packed – Salami, cheese, and tangy dressing create a bold taste.
Quick and Easy – Ready in minutes with simple chopping and mixing.
Customizable – Adjust ingredients to fit dietary preferences.
Great for Meal Prep – Stays fresh and delicious for several days.

Ingredients

romaine lettuce
raddichio
cherry tomatoes
cucumber
red onion
kalamata olives
pepperoncini
chickpeas
salami
provolone cheese
parmesan cheese
Italian dressing (olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper)

Directions

Prepare the Vegetables – Chop the romaine lettuce and radicchio into bite-sized pieces. Dice the tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
Slice the Toppings – Cut the salami and provolone into small strips. Slice the olives and pepperoncini.
Mix the Dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Salad – In a large bowl, combine all the chopped ingredients, along with chickpeas and grated parmesan.
Toss and Serve – Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss well, and serve immediately.

Variations

Vegetarian Option – Skip the salami and add more chickpeas or grilled tofu.
Extra Crunch – Add croutons or toasted pine nuts.
Spicy Twist – Use hot salami or add crushed red pepper flakes.
Dairy-Free – Omit cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
Lighter Version – Use turkey or leaner meats instead of salami.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Dressing Storage: Keep dressing separate and refrigerated for up to a week.
Avoid Freezing: Fresh vegetables lose texture when frozen.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Store ingredients separately and toss with dressing before serving.

What’s the best lettuce for this salad?

A mix of romaine and radicchio adds the perfect crunch and slight bitterness.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Absolutely, but homemade dressing offers fresher, bolder flavors.

What’s a good protein addition?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even hard-boiled eggs work well.

How do I make the salad low-carb?

Skip the chickpeas and reduce tomatoes to lower the carb content.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, mozzarella or feta are great substitutes.

What’s a good side dish for this salad?

It pairs well with garlic bread, soup, or a pasta dish.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes, add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy banana peppers.

How do I keep the salad fresh for meal prep?

Keep wet ingredients separate and toss before eating.

Is this salad keto-friendly?

With minor adjustments like omitting chickpeas, it can fit a keto diet.

Conclusion

Italian Chopped Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that works as a meal or side. Packed with crisp greens, zesty dressing, and delicious toppings, it’s a versatile favorite for any occasion. Try it today for a taste of Italy in every bite!

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