This Chopped Italian Salad is a burst of flavors in every bite! Fresh veggies, tangy dressing, and savory Mozzarella cheese comes together in a bowl that’s perfect for lunch or as a side dish. This Italian Salad Bowl is a delicious way to add some Mediterranean flair to your day
Contents
Why You’ll Love This Italian Chopped Salad Recipe
- Absolutely Delicious: This chopped Italian salad is packed with a variety of fresh vegetables, savory salami, and creamy mozzarella, making every bite a delightful explosion of flavors.
- Zesty and Refreshing: The homemade zesty dressing, with its blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh herbs, adds a refreshing tang to the chopped Italian salad.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a quick lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a contribution to a potluck, this salad is versatile and sure to impress.
Chopped Italian Salad Ingredients
Salad
- Romaine Lettuce: Provides a crisp and refreshing base for the chopped Italian salad.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Adds juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- Cucumber: Brings a cool, crunchy texture to the mix.
- Green Bell Pepper: Offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
- Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a creamy and mild flavor.
- Salami: Introduces a savory, slightly spicy element.
- Red Onion: Adds a sharp and tangy bite.
- Black Olives: Provide a salty and briny flavor.
- Banana Peppers: Add a tangy and mildly spicy kick to chopped Italian salad.
- Fresh Basil: Infuses the salad with aromatic freshness.
- Fresh Parsley: Enhances with a fresh, herbaceous note.
Zesty Salad Dressing
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Forms the base of the dressing, adding richness.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Provides a tangy acidity.
- Garlic Clove: Adds a robust, savory flavor.
- Dijon Mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing while adding a slight tang.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds a bright and zesty flavor.
- Dried Oregano: Brings a classic Italian herb flavor.
- Sea Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the salad.
- Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
- Sugar: Balances the acidity of the dressing.
How To Make Chopped Italian Salad
Step One: Prepare a salad by chopping lettuce, dicing cucumber and bell pepper, cubing mozzarella, slicing salami, red onion, black olives, and banana peppers, and chopping basil and parsley. In a large serving bowl or platter, assemble the salad in layers as follows. Start with the chopped Romaine lettuce. Layer the halved cherry tomatoes.
Step Two: Add the diced green bell peppers and cucumbers. Scatter the cubed mozzarella cheese and sliced salami. Arrange the thinly sliced red onions and sliced black olives. Place the banana peppers on top. Sprinkle the chopped basil and parsley over the salad.
Step Three: In a deep glass or mixing bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, and sugar. Use an immersion blender to thoroughly mix the dressing until smooth and well combined. Alternatively, you can whisk vigorously by hand.
Step Four: Pour the prepared zesty dressing over the layered salad. Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients and evenly coat with the dressing. Serve hearty Italian Chopped Salad immediately as a main dish or side salad.
Expert Tips For This Chopped Salad
- Mind the Temperature: Serve your chopped Italian salad slightly chilled to enhance the flavors and maintain the crispness of the ingredients.
- Fresh Ingredients Are Key: Start with crisp iceberg lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and quality cheeses for an authentic Italian chopped salad experience.
Variations
- Olive & Cheese Infusion Salad Chop: Elevate your senses with a fusion of garbanzo beans, kalamata olives, and Parmesan cheese in our chopped salad mix, heightened by a gourmet touch of freshly ground black pepper.
- Bold & Zesty Italian Chop: Explore a bold twist on the classic Italian chop with arugula, pepperoncini peppers, grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, and Parmesan cheese atop crisp iceberg lettuce for a flavorful delight.
How To Store Italian Chopped Salad
- Refrigerate: Place any leftover Chopped Italian Salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days.
- Container: Ensure the salad is stored in a tightly sealed container to maintain its freshness and crispness.
What To Serve With Chopped salad?
- Air Fried Chicken: Marinate chicken breasts or thighs in Italian seasoning, garlic, and olive oil, then air fry until cooked through. Slice the chicken and toss it into the salad for a hearty and satisfying protein boost.
- Salami or Pepperoni: Add slices of salami or pepperoni to the salad for a flavorful and savory protein option. The cured meats add a delicious depth of flavor that complements the fresh vegetables and herbs in chopped salads.
- Chickpeas: For a vegetarian protein option, toss drained and rinsed chickpeas with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and olive oil, then roast them in the oven until crispy. The crunchy chickpeas add texture and protein to the salad.
- Provolone Cheese: Cube or shred provolone cheese and sprinkle it over the salad for a creamy and indulgent protein option. The mild and slightly tangy flavor of provolone pairs well with the other Italian ingredients in the salad.
- Grilled Shrimp: Marinate shrimp in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Italian herbs, then grill until pink and cooked through. Add the grilled shrimp to the salad for a light and refreshing protein option that goes well with the recipe Italian chopped salad.
Chopped Italian Salad
Savor the vibrant flavors of this Chopped Italian Salad! Packed with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, olives, and a medley of Italian-inspired ingredients, this salad is bursting with freshness and flavor. Tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, it’s the perfect side dish for any meal or a light, satisfying lunch on its own. Simple, colorful, and delicious, this Chopped Italian Salad is sure to become a favorite!
Serving Size 3 Servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups Romaine Lettuce chopped
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
- 1 cup Cucumber diced
- 1/2 cup Red Onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Black Olives pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup Fresh Mozzarella Cheese cubed
- 1/2 cup Green Bell Peppers diced
- 1/4 cup Banana Peppers sliced
- 1/4 cup Salami sliced
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Basil chopped
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley chopped
- 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil preferably labeled "extra-light tasting"
- 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar
- 1 Garlic Clove minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice from 1 or 2 lemons
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Sugar
Instructions
For The Dressing
- In a deep glass or mixing bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, and sugar. Use an immersion blender to thoroughly mix the dressing until smooth and well combined. Alternatively, you can whisk vigorously by hand.
For The Salad
- Prepare a salad by chopping lettuce, dicing cucumber and bell pepper, cubing mozzarella, slicing salami, red onion, black olives, and banana peppers, and chopping basil and parsley.
- In a large serving bowl or platter, assemble the salad in layers as follows: Start with the chopped Romaine lettuce. Layer the halved cherry tomatoes. Add the diced green bell peppers and cucumbers
- Scatter the cubed mozzarella cheese and sliced salami. Arrange the thinly sliced red onions and sliced black olives. Place the banana peppers on top. Sprinkle the chopped basil and parsley over the salad. Place the banana peppers on top.
- Sprinkle the chopped basil and parsley over the salad.
- Pour the prepared zesty dressing over the layered salad.
- Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients and evenly coat with the dressing. Serve hearty Italian Chopped Salad immediately as a main dish or side salad.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 515kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 47g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 32g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 1493mg | Potassium: 540mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 6378IU | Vitamin C: 54mg | Calcium: 167mg | Iron: 2mg
Notes
Mind the Temperature: Serve your chopped Italian salad slightly chilled to enhance the flavors and maintain the crispness of the ingredients.
Fresh Ingredients Are Key: Start with crisp iceberg lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and quality cheeses for an authentic Italian chopped salad experience.
