Italian chopped salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish packed with crisp vegetables, hearty proteins, and zesty dressing. Whether you’re looking for a light yet satisfying meal or a delicious side dish, this easy Italian chopped salad recipe will bring the taste of Italy to your table.
With fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, salami, chickpeas, and a tangy homemade dressing, this salad is a go-to for busy weeknights or meal prep. Plus, it’s customizable to fit your dietary needs—gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian. Let’s dive into how to make this refreshing and nutritious Italian chopped salad!
Why You’ll Love This Italian Chopped Salad
✔ Quick and Easy – Ready in under 15 minutes!
✔ Loaded with Flavor – A perfect blend of crunchy, tangy, and savory.
✔ Healthy and Satisfying – Packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
✔ Customizable – Easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad
• 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup radicchio, chopped (adds a slight bitterness and color)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup cucumber, diced
• 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• ½ cup banana peppers (optional, for extra tang)
• ½ cup mozzarella pearls (or crumbled feta)
• ½ cup salami or pepperoni, chopped
For the Italian Dressing
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice, fresh
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Wash and chop all vegetables. Drain and rinse chickpeas, slice olives, and cut the meats and cheese into bite-sized pieces.
2. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, and seasonings. Shake or whisk until well combined.
3. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the romaine, radicchio, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, olives, banana peppers, chickpeas, and meats. Toss everything together.
4. Drizzle the Dressing
Pour the homemade Italian dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with extra cheese, a sprinkle of fresh basil, or even crunchy croutons. Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Customization Ideas
✅ Make it Vegetarian: Skip the salami and add more chickpeas or white beans.
✅ Dairy-Free Option: Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
✅ Gluten-Free: Ensure all ingredients, especially cured meats, are gluten-free.
✅ Add More Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Tips for the Best Italian Chopped Salad
✔ Use fresh ingredients for the best crunch and flavor.
✔ Chop everything uniformly so you get all flavors in each bite.
✔ Let it marinate for a few minutes before serving for deeper flavors.
✔ Make extra dressing and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
What to Serve with Italian Chopped Salad
This salad pairs beautifully with:
• Grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal
• Pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna
• Crusty Italian bread or garlic knots
• Soup like minestrone or tomato basil
How to Store Leftovers
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent sogginess.
• If meal prepping, layer the wetter ingredients at the bottom and lettuce on top.
Final Thoughts
This Italian chopped salad is a crowd-pleaser with its fresh, tangy, and savory flavors. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a meal prep option, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!
Try this recipe today and let us know how you customized it!