Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Italian Chopped Salad is a vibrant, hearty, and flavor-packed dish that combines crisp romaine lettuce with a variety of savory ingredients like salami, chickpeas, mozzarella, and tangy vinaigrette. It’s perfect as a light main course or a crowd-pleasing side dish. With its bold textures and classic Italian flavors, this salad is a satisfying and refreshing option for any meal.

ingredients

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

romaine lettuceradicchio or iceberg lettucesalami or pepperoncinimozzarella cheese (cubed or pearls)cherry tomatoesred onionchickpeppar parmesan cheesered wine vinegarDijon mustardolive oilgarlic (minced)oregano saltblack pepper

directions

Wash and chop the romaine and radicchio into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.

Add the diced salami, cherry tomatoes (halved), chickpeas, cubed mozzarella, thinly sliced red onion, and shredded Parmesan to the bowl.

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until the dressing is emulsified.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated.

Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4-6 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesTotal time: 15-20 minutes (if chilling)

Variations

Add cooked pasta like rotini or penne to make it a pasta salad.

Use grilled chicken or prosciutto instead of salami for a different protein.

Incorporate olives or roasted red peppers for extra Mediterranean flair.

Swap chickpeas for white beans or kidney beans if preferred.

Try crumbled feta in place of mozzarella for a sharper taste.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.For best texture, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to avoid sogginess.This salad is not ideal for reheating but can be refreshed with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.

FAQs

What is the best lettuce for Italian chopped salad?

Romaine is ideal for its crunch, often combined with radicchio or iceberg for color and contrast.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, chop the ingredients and store them separately, then toss with dressing just before serving.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all packaged ingredients like salami and mustard are certified gluten-free.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely—just omit the salami or use a plant-based alternative.

Is the dressing spicy?

No, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes or pepperoncini juice for a little heat.

How do I keep the lettuce crisp?

Store it in a salad spinner or wrap in paper towels inside a sealed bag in the fridge.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Yes, a good-quality Italian vinaigrette works fine, though homemade has fresher flavor.

Is this salad keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s low in carbs—just skip the chickpeas if you want to lower the carb count further.

Can I serve it as a main dish?

Definitely, especially with added protein like grilled chicken or tuna.

What cheese works best?

Mozzarella, Parmesan, or provolone are all great options depending on your flavor preference.

Conclusion

Italian Chopped Salad is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Packed with fresh veggies, savory meats, and zesty dressing, it’s a go-to salad that brings the taste of Italy to your table in under 20 minutes.