This Italian Chopped Salad is a colorful mix of fresh veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, all tossed together. It’s tasty and crunchy, making every bite enjoyable!
Honestly, it’s so vibrant that it feels like I’m eating a rainbow! 🥗 I love serving it as a side dish, or sometimes just enjoying it on its own for a light meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mixed Salad Greens: A mix of romaine, radicchio, and arugula gives great texture and flavor. You can also use spinach or kale if you prefer greens that are milder or more tender.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness and color. If out of season, use grape tomatoes or even canned diced tomatoes. Just drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Cucumber: Provides a nice crunch! If you want a different flavor, substitute with diced bell peppers or radishes for a zesty twist.
Salami or Pepperoni: For a lighter option, try turkey or chicken slices instead. You can also go meatless by adding more chickpeas or using marinated artichokes for a flavorful bite.
Cheese: Provolone is a great choice, but mozzarella is fantastic too. For a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese or just skip it entirely and add more chickpeas.
How Do You Make the Perfect Dressing for Your Salad?
The dressing is truly what brings your salad to life! Start by mixing the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey in a small bowl. The mustard adds a nice tang, while honey can balance the acidity if you like a hint of sweetness.
- Whisk everything together until it’s all combined and slightly thickened.
- Make sure to season your dressing with salt and pepper while mixing to ensure it’s well-flavored.
- Remember to taste it before pouring over the salad; adjusting with more salt, pepper, or honey is always an option!
How to Make an Italian Chopped Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (like romaine, radicchio, arugula)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup salami or pepperoni, sliced into strips
- 1/2 cup provolone cheese or mozzarella, diced
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Italian Chopped Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You can serve it right away or refrigerate it for up to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to combine even more. Perfect for a quick and refreshing meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, rinsed chickpeas, sliced black olives, salami or pepperoni, and diced cheese. Stir everything together gently so that the ingredients are mixed well.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey (if you’re using it). Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste until it’s well combined and smooth. This will add a delicious tangy flavor to your salad!
3. Combine and Serve:
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together gently to make sure all ingredients are evenly coated. Taste it and feel free to add a little more salt and pepper if needed. Before serving, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for that extra touch and flavor. Enjoy immediately or let it chill for about 30 minutes to enhance the taste!
Can I Use Different Greens for This Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your greens based on what you have. Spinach, mixed greens, or even kale can be great alternatives. Just ensure your choice is fresh for the best flavor and texture.
What Can I Substitute for Chickpeas?
If you’re looking for a different protein or don’t have chickpeas on hand, canned black beans or kidney beans make excellent substitutes. Just drain and rinse them as you would with chickpeas to keep the salad fresh!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Salad?
For the best quality, store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent the greens from becoming soggy.
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The dressing can be made up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Shake it well before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.
