Italian Chopped Salad is a vibrant, hearty dish filled with crisp lettuce, savory meats, tangy cheeses, and bold Italian flavors. Perfect as a main or side, it’s tossed in a zesty dressing and delivers a delicious balance of crunch, salt, and freshness in every bite.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
romaine lettuce (chopped)radicchio or iceberg (optional, chopped)cherry tomatoes (halved)cucumber (diced)red onion (thinly sliced)pepperoncini (sliced)salami or pepperoni (chopped)mozzarella or provolone cheese (cubed or shredded)black olives (sliced)parmesan cheese (grated)Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)salt and black pepper
directions
Chop all vegetables, meats, and cheeses into bite-sized pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, combine romaine, radicchio (if using), tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, pepperoncini, olives, meats, and cheeses.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Drizzle with Italian dressing and toss thoroughly until well coated.
Top with grated parmesan before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 as a main or 6 as a side dish.Preparation time: 15 minutesTotal time: 15 minutes
Variations
Add grilled chicken, tuna, or chickpeas for extra protein.
Use fresh basil or parsley for added herb flavor.
Try artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers for Mediterranean flair.
Swap mozzarella for feta or blue cheese for a bold twist.
Include croutons or crispy prosciutto for added crunch.
storage/reheating
Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Store dressing separately and toss just before serving to keep everything crisp.Do not freeze.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prep the ingredients and store separately, then toss with dressing before serving.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, just be sure your dressing and any added meats are gluten-free.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the meat or use a plant-based alternative.
What’s the best dressing for this salad?
A classic Italian vinaigrette works best, but balsamic vinaigrette or red wine dressing are also great.
How do I keep the salad crisp?
Store components separately and dress right before serving.
Conclusion
Italian Chopped Salad is a bold, satisfying mix of fresh veggies, hearty proteins, and zesty dressing that brings the best of Italian flavors to your table. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, it’s a go-to salad that’s as tasty as it is versatile.
Print
Italian Chopped Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Italian Chopped Salad is a vibrant and hearty dish filled with crisp lettuce, salami, cheese, tomatoes, olives, and pepperoncini, all tossed in a zesty Italian vinaigrette—perfect as a side or main course.
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup chopped radicchio or red cabbage
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup chopped salami
- 1/2 cup diced provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- In a large salad bowl, combine romaine, radicchio, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, pepperoncini, olives, salami, cheese, red onion, and parsley.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Swap salami for grilled chicken or chickpeas for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Add croutons for extra crunch just before serving.
- Dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
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