Italian Chopped Salad Recipe
If you’re looking for a vibrant, fresh, and utterly delicious salad that brings a burst of Mediterranean flavors to your table, this Italian Chopped Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a colorful mix of crisp romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and tangy olives, all tossed with a zesty homemade dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Whether you want a quick lunch, a side dish for dinner, or something to impress guests, this salad never fails to delight with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Italian Chopped Salad Recipe plays a critical role, giving the dish its perfect balance of texture, color, and flavor. These simple, fresh ingredients come together effortlessly yet result in a salad that feels anything but ordinary.
- Romaine lettuce: Provides a crisp and refreshing base that holds up well to the dressing.
- Cherry tomatoes: Add bright, juicy bursts of sweetness to brighten every forkful.
- Cucumber: Brings cool crunch and a mild flavor to balance the sharper ingredients.
- Red bell pepper: Offers vibrant color and a sweet, crunchy bite.
- Red onion: Adds a slight pungency and sharpness, finely chopped so it doesn’t overpower.
- Black olives: Deliver a salty, briny contrast that elevates the overall taste.
- Pepperoncini peppers: Introduce a tangy and mildly spicy kick for extra excitement.
- Mozzarella cheese: Cubed or in mini balls, it lends creamy richness and a soft texture.
- Salami (optional): Adds a smoky, savory depth if you want a bit of protein and indulgence.
- Fresh basil: Brings aromatic freshness and a hint of herbal brightness.
- Extra virgin olive oil: The foundation of the dressing, providing smooth, fruity richness.
- Red wine vinegar: Offers a pleasant tang that balances the richness of the olive oil.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a touch of sharpness and helps emulsify the dressing beautifully.
- Garlic clove: Minced finely to bring a savory depth without overwhelming the salad.
- Dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that ties the dressing flavors together with subtle earthiness.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and harmonize all components.
How to Make Italian Chopped Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Combine the Vegetables and Cheese
Start with a large salad bowl and toss in the chopped romaine lettuce as your fresh, crunchy foundation. Add halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion—all these colorful vegetables create a rainbow of textures and flavors that will make your salad sing. Next, fold in the black olives and sliced pepperoncini peppers, which bring that classic Italian kick. Finally, add the cubed mozzarella and diced salami if you’re including it, plus the fresh chopped basil for a burst of herby aroma.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a smaller bowl or a jar, combine extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified—this creamy and zesty vinaigrette is the heart of the Italian Chopped Salad Recipe.
Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture gently but thoroughly, ensuring every crisp piece is coated with that luscious, tangy dressing. Toss carefully to combine without bruising the delicate ingredients, allowing the flavors to mingle harmoniously.
Step 4: Serve or Chill
You can enjoy this salad immediately for maximum crunch and freshness, or give it some time in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully. Either way, it’s a refreshing and satisfying dish to look forward to.
How to Serve Italian Chopped Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra touch, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or add a few pine nuts for delightful crunch. A drizzle of balsamic glaze on top can add sweet complexity and visual appeal, turning your salad into a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Side Dishes
This Italian Chopped Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a light, balanced meal. It also complements Italian mains like spaghetti Aglio e Olio or a hearty lasagna, providing a crisp and refreshing counterpoint to richer, heavier dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve the salad layered in clear glass bowls or mason jars to showcase all those fresh, colorful ingredients beautifully. Alternatively, scoop portions into individual bowls and garnish with basil leaves for a charming, rustic look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep the lettuce crisp, it’s best to keep the dressing separate and toss right before serving. If already dressed, consume within a day for optimal freshness and crunch.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad because the fresh vegetables and cheese lose their texture and become watery upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a short while.
Reheating
This Italian Chopped Salad Recipe is served cold or at room temperature and does not require reheating. If you want a warm variation, consider preparing the salad fresh and serving it alongside a warm entree instead.
FAQs
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the salami, and your salad will remain delicious and satisfying with all the fresh vegetables and mozzarella providing plenty of flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for mozzarella?
If you’re out of mozzarella, try cubed feta or provolone for a different but equally delightful twist that complements the other ingredients well.
How long does the salad keep?
If stored without dressing, the salad components will stay fresh for about 2 days in the refrigerator. Once dressed, it’s best eaten within a day to maintain its crispness.
Can I use other types of lettuce?
Yes! While romaine is ideal for its crunch and sturdiness, you can also use iceberg or a spring mix for variations in flavor and texture.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Definitely. Keep the dressing separate until ready to eat, and chop the ingredients ahead of time for quick assembly during the week.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Chopped Salad Recipe is one of those rare dishes that simultaneously feels fresh, comforting, and indulgent. It’s quick to put together, full of texture and flavor, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try next time you want a salad that truly shines, and I promise it will become a favorite you’ll reach for again and again.
Print
Italian Chopped Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Italian Chopped Salad featuring crisp romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, tangy pepperoncini, and rich mozzarella cheese, all tossed in a zesty homemade red wine vinegar dressing with herbs and garlic. Perfect for a quick, flavorful meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed or mini balls
- 1/4 cup salami, diced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, sliced black olives, sliced pepperoncini peppers, cubed or mini mozzarella balls, diced salami if using, and chopped fresh basil. Toss lightly to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic clove, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the dressing is fully emulsified and smooth.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss the salad to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing without bruising the delicate components like the mozzarella and basil.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh crunch and bright flavors, or place it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together for a slightly more developed taste.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami.
- You can substitute pepperoncini with mild banana peppers if preferred.
- Fresh basil can be replaced with fresh parsley for a different herbaceous note.
- Make sure to chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces to enhance the chopped salad texture.
- The salad is best consumed within a few hours of dressing to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
