Italian Chopped Salad

Here’s a fresh, vibrant, and flavor-packed Italian Chopped Salad — crisp, tangy, and loaded with hearty ingredients. It’s perfect as a main course or a side for pasta, pizza, or grilled meats. Best of all, it’s easy to customize and comes together quickly!

🥗 Italian Chopped Salad

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped

• 1/2 head radicchio or iceberg, chopped (optional, for color & crunch)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced

• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced

• 1/2 cup black or Kalamata olives, sliced

• 1/2 cup salami, chopped or sliced into strips

• 1/2 cup provolone or mozzarella, cubed or shredded

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

• Croutons (optional, for crunch)

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar

• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional, for extra flavor)

🥄 Instructions:

1. Make the dressing:

   • In a bowl or jar, whisk together vinegar, mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.

   • Slowly whisk in olive oil until emulsified. Stir in Parmesan if using. Set aside.

2. Assemble the salad:

   • In a large bowl, combine all chopped vegetables, meats, and cheeses.

3. Toss and serve:

   • Drizzle with dressing and toss until evenly coated.

   • Top with croutons and extra Parmesan, if desired. Serve immediately.

📝 Tips & Variations:

• Add chickpeas, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers for more texture.

• Make it vegetarian by skipping the salami and adding more cheese or beans.

• Store dressing separately if prepping ahead — keeps salad crisp.

Would you like a meal prep version, low-carb/keto twist, or a copycat of a restaurant-style chopped salad?