Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This 10 Minute Crazy-Good Italian Chopped Salad is a flavor-packed, crunchy, and satisfying salad loaded with Italian meats, cheese, and crisp veggies, all tossed in a zesty homemade vinaigrette. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light meal on its own. Quick to prepare and bursting with color, it’s a go-to recipe when you want something fresh, hearty, and utterly delicious.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

romaine lettuceradicchiosalami or pepperoniprovolone cheesered onionsgrape or cherry tomatoescucumberpepperoncinisblack olivesparmesan cheeseItalian seasoningolive oilred wine vinegargarlicclovehoneyDijon mustardsaltblack pepper

directions

Chop the romaine lettuce and radicchio into bite-sized pieces and place in a large salad bowl.

Slice the salami (or pepperoni), provolone cheese, red onions, tomatoes, cucumber, pepperoncinis, and black olives into small pieces and add them to the bowl.

In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to make the dressing.

Pour the dressing over the chopped salad ingredients.

Toss everything thoroughly to coat with the dressing.

Top with freshly shaved or grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4 as a main, 6-8 as a side
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

Swap out salami for grilled chicken or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

Use mozzarella pearls instead of provolone for a different texture.

Add croutons or toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.

Toss in cooked pasta to turn it into an Italian pasta salad.

storage/reheating

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.Keep the dressing separate if you’re planning to make it ahead to avoid sogginess.Do not freeze this salad.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, just keep the dressing separate and add it right before serving.

What lettuce works best for this salad?

Romaine provides the best crunch, but you can add iceberg or spring mix for variation.

Is this salad keto-friendly?

Yes, if you skip the honey in the dressing or use a low-carb sweetener.

Can I use store-bought Italian dressing?

You can, but homemade dressing gives the best fresh flavor.

What kind of olives are best?

Kalamata or black olives work well, depending on your preference.

Can I add beans?

Yes, cannellini or garbanzo beans are great additions.

Is this salad spicy?

It has a slight kick from pepperoncinis, but it’s not overly spicy.

What cheese alternatives can I use?

Fontina, mozzarella, or asiago are tasty swaps.

Can I meal prep this?

Yes, chop and store components separately and mix before eating.

How do I keep the lettuce crisp?

Keep the lettuce dry and store with a paper towel to absorb moisture.

Conclusion

This Italian Chopped Salad is everything you want in a quick, hearty dish—fresh, savory, and packed with flavor. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a party side, it’s a salad you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.