This colorful Italian Chopped Salad is a fun mix of fresh veggies, cheese, and dressing. It’s crunchy, tasty, and packed with flavors that make your taste buds dance!
I love how easy it is to whip up. Just chop everything, toss it together, and you have a healthy side dish or lunch. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftovers—who doesn’t like a little salad magic? 🥗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Romaine Lettuce: This serves as the main base of the salad. You can also use other lettuces like iceberg or butter lettuce if you prefer a different texture. Just make sure it’s fresh and crisp!
Radicchio: Radicchio adds a nice color and a slightly bitter taste. If you can’t find it, you can swap it with endive or even a handful of spinach to keep it colorful.
Yellow Bell Pepper: While yellow adds sweetness, feel free to use red or orange bell peppers for a similar effect. Green bell peppers will be more bitter, so keep that in mind!
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are convenient! If you’re looking for a different protein, try cooked kidney beans or even some diced grilled chicken or tofu for a variation.
Salami: For a healthier option, turkey or chicken salami works well. You can also skip the meat entirely and add more veggies or some nuts for crunch.
Italian Dressing Ingredients: If you want to save on calories, use a light olive oil or a vinegar-based dressing you love. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also enhance the flavor!
How Do I Make Sure My Salad is Colorful and Well-Presented?
Creating a vibrant salad is all about layering and arranging the ingredients. Start with a good base of greens, then add colorful ingredients in sections. This not only looks great but also allows everyone to pick what they like best!
- Begin with chopped Romaine and radicchio. This gives a crisp and colorful foundation.
- Layer diced bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes next. Their bright colors will pop against the greens.
- Then, add chickpeas and salami for protein and texture. Mix it up by using all or some of your favorites!
- Top it off with olives and mozzarella for richness. Lastly, scatter your pepperoncini for the finishing touch.
Don’t forget to toss the salad gently with the dressing right before serving to coat all the ingredients evenly!
How to Make an Italian Chopped Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salad:
- 4 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup radicchio, chopped
- 1 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cucumbers, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup salami, diced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For The Italian Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll need just a little time to mix up the dressing and chop your vegetables, making it a perfect quick dish for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Dressing:
Start by making the Italian dressing. In a small bowl, add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. Set this tasty dressing aside for later.
2. Layer the Base:
Take a large salad bowl or platter and begin layering your chopped Romaine lettuce and radicchio at the bottom. This forms a crispy and flavorful base for your salad.
3. Add Your Colorful Veggies:
Now, it’s time to make your salad look beautiful! Arrange the diced yellow bell pepper, cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, drained chickpeas, sliced black olives, diced salami, cubed mozzarella cheese, and finely chopped red onion in sections over the greens. This way, each ingredient stands out for a colorful presentation.
4. Finish with Pepperoncini:
Scatter the sliced pepperoncini on top of all the arranged vegetables. This adds a nice touch and a little zing to your salad!
5. Dress and Toss:
Drizzle the prepared Italian dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything together to coat the ingredients without squishing them. You want all those flavors to mix but keep the salad looking fresh.
6. Garnish and Serve:
To finish off, garnish your salad with chopped fresh parsley. If you like a little spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top. Enjoy your Italian Chopped Salad right away for the best taste!
Can I Substitute Any Ingredients in This Salad?
Absolutely! You can swap the salami for another type of deli meat, such as turkey or ham. If you want a vegetarian option, try adding more chickpeas or some diced avocado. For the cheese, feta or goat cheese also work great!
How Do I Make This Salad in Advance?
If you want to prepare this salad ahead of time, do so by keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. The chopped ingredients can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just remember to toss everything together right before serving to maintain freshness!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Salad?
For leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best to keep dressing separate if possible, as the greens may wilt if they sit in the dressing. Enjoy the leftovers within 1-2 days for the best flavor and texture!
Can I Use Homemade Dressing Instead?
Definitely! Feel free to use your favorite homemade Italian dressing. Just keep the flavor profile in mind—ensure it’s tangy and well-seasoned to complement the salad ingredients. For a fresh twist, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme to your dressing!
