If you’ve ever craved a salad bursting with vibrant flavors, satisfying textures, and that unmistakable Italian zest, this Italian Chopped Salad Recipe will quickly become your new favorite go-to. Combining crisp romaine and radicchio with tangy pepperoncini, savory salami, and creamy cheeses, every bite delivers a delightful medley that feels both refreshing and hearty. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a picnic side, or even a colorful party platter that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a key role in building the salad’s layered tastes and textures. From the crunchy greens to the punchy olives and the rich cheeses, everything comes together beautifully to create an unforgettable dish.
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce: This crisp base adds refreshing crunch and volume to the salad.
- 1 cup chopped radicchio or red cabbage: Adds a slightly bitter note and a pop of deep color for contrast.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): Sweet and juicy bursts that brighten each bite.
- 1/2 cup cucumber (diced): Cooling and crunchy to balance the stronger flavors.
- 1/3 cup red onion (thinly sliced): Provides a sharp, slightly sweet aroma and flavor.
- 1/2 cup canned chickpeas (rinsed and drained): Adds a hearty texture and subtle nuttiness.
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini: Infuses a tangy, mildly spicy kick essential to an authentic Italian vibe.
- 1/2 cup salami or pepperoni (chopped): Brings savory, cured-meat goodness and a satisfying chew.
- 1/2 cup provolone cheese (cubed): The creamy, mild cheese that rounds out the savory elements.
- 1/4 cup black olives or Kalamata olives (sliced): Salty and rich, they add depth to the flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkles of sharp, nutty Parmesan crown the whole salad beautifully.
- 1/3 cup olive oil: The foundation of the dressing, lending smoothness and richness.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Adds acidity that brightens and balances the salad.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle tang and helps emulsify the dressing.
- 1 garlic clove (minced): Infuses unmistakable savory warmth into the dressing.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Italian herb accentuating the Mediterranean flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to tie everything together perfectly.
How to Make Italian Chopped Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh and Flavorful Ingredients
Start by tossing together the chopped romaine, radicchio, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, chickpeas, pepperoncini, salami, provolone, olives, and Parmesan in a large mixing bowl. This is where all those vibrant colors and textures come to life, setting the stage for a salad that is as visually enticing as it is delicious.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Zesty Dressing
In a smaller bowl or a jar with a lid, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified—smooth, glossy, and perfectly balanced between tangy and savory.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything thoroughly so every ingredient is evenly coated. This ensures that every bite bursts with the delightful harmony of all components working together. You can serve it immediately for a fresh crunch or chill it for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Italian Chopped Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant touch, consider sprinkling extra grated Parmesan or a few fresh basil leaves on top. A drizzle of good-quality balsamic glaze can add a subtle sweetness and beautiful finishing flair to your salad presentation.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up any leftover dressing. It also makes a fantastic side for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a simple bowl of soup, elevating any meal with its vibrant boldness.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the Italian Chopped Salad Recipe in individual glass jars or mini bowls for a charming picnic or party spread. Layer ingredients thoughtfully to showcase the beautiful colors, and let guests toss their own servings to keep the salad crisp and fresh.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge to keep the crispness intact. When ready to enjoy again, simply toss the salad with the dressing for a fresh-tasting meal.
Freezing
This Italian Chopped Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well. Ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese can lose their texture after freezing, so it’s recommended to prepare fresh when possible.
Reheating
Since this is a no-cook, fresh salad, reheating is not necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.
FAQs
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply leave out the salami or pepperoni, and you have a delightful vegetarian option packed with flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for radicchio if I can’t find it?
If radicchio isn’t available, red cabbage is a great alternative, providing a similar crunch and mild bitterness that balances the sweetness of other ingredients.
How long can I store the salad after dressing it?
For the best taste and texture, it’s ideal to eat the salad within a day of dressing. Keeping the salad undressed and adding dressing right before serving can extend its freshness.
Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu make excellent additions if you want to turn this salad into a more substantial dish.
Is this salad suitable for a low-carb diet?
Definitely. With a focus on fresh vegetables, meats, and cheeses, and low in carbohydrates, this Italian Chopped Salad Recipe works well for low-carb meal plans.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Chopped Salad Recipe is such a joy to make and share, packed with layers of flavor and textures that feel indulgent yet wholesome. Whether you’re whipping it up for a casual lunch or a festive gathering, it’s sure to delight every palate. I’m excited for you to try it and make it your own—it might just become the salad you reach for time and again.
Print
Italian Chopped Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Italian Chopped Salad is a vibrant and hearty mix of fresh romaine, radicchio, cherry tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers, complemented by savory salami, provolone cheese, and tangy pepperoncini. Tossed in a zesty homemade red wine vinaigrette, this salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal no-cook dish for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup chopped radicchio or red cabbage
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini
- 1/2 cup salami or pepperoni, chopped
- 1/2 cup provolone cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup black olives or Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the salad base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, radicchio, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, rinsed chickpeas, sliced pepperoncini, chopped salami, cubed provolone cheese, sliced olives, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to mix evenly.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until the mixture is fully emulsified and well combined.
- Toss the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve or chill: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh taste, or cover and chill for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami or substitute with plant-based deli slices.
- Ingredients can be prepped in advance and stored separately; dress the salad just before serving for optimal freshness.
- Add croutons or grilled chicken to make the salad more hearty and filling.
