Italian Chopped Salad
Italian Chopped Salad is an easy salad recipe that has a large variety of zesty flavors and colors.
Ingredients
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 4 pepperoncini
- 6 ounces salami, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup black olives, halved
- 1 cup red onions, sliced
- ½ cup shaved parmesan cheese
Dressing:
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, pepperoncini, salami, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, red onions, and shaved parmesan cheese. Toss well.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried parsley, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Chop ingredients evenly: Cutting the veggies and meats into bite-sized pieces ensures you get all the flavors in every forkful.
- Make ahead: Prep the salad components and dressing separately up to a day in advance. Toss together just before serving to keep it fresh.
- Milder onion flavor: If red onion is too strong, soak slices in cold water for 10 minutes before adding.
- Customize the protein: Swap salami for prosciutto, grilled chicken, or chickpeas for a lighter option.
- Cheese variations: Asiago, provolone, or mozzarella pearls work well if you’d like to change it up.
- Extra crunch: Add croutons or toasted pine nuts just before serving.
