Italian Chopped Salad 🍅🧀
This Italian Chopped Salad is a vibrant, flavorful, and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with fresh vegetables, savory meats, and creamy cheeses, this salad is a celebration of Italian flavors in every bite. Whether you’re serving it as a main course, side dish, or party appetizer, this chopped salad is sure to impress with its bold textures and zesty dressing.
Let’s dive into how to make this delicious Italian Chopped Salad step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh & Flavorful : A colorful mix of crisp veggies, tangy olives, and rich cheeses creates a salad bursting with flavor.
- Hearty & Satisfying : Loaded with salami, pepperoni, and cheese, this salad is filling enough to serve as a meal.
- Customizable : Add or swap ingredients like chickpeas, cucumbers, or grilled chicken to suit your taste.
- Quick & Easy : Ready in under 15 minutes with simple chopping and tossing.
- Perfect for Any Occasion : Great for casual lunches, potlucks, or elegant dinners.
Ingredients
(Serves 4–6)
- 6 cups lettuce , chopped 🥗
- 1 cup tomatoes , diced 🍅
- 1 cup artichoke hearts , coarsely chopped 🫒
- ½ cup olives (Kalamata or mixed olives work great ) 🫒
- ¼ cup red onion , thinly sliced 🧅
- ¼ cup pepperoncini , sliced 🌶️
- ½ cup provolone cheese , chopped 🧀
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine ), halved 🧀
- ½ cup salami , chopped 🥓
- ½ cup pepperoni , chopped 🥓
- 2 tablespoons basil or parsley , chopped (for freshness ) 🌿
- ½ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade ) 🥗
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Wash and chop all the vegetables, cheeses, and meats as specified in the ingredient list.
- Tip : Use a food processor or mandoline slicer for quicker prep if available.
Step 2: Combine the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped lettuce , diced tomatoes , artichoke hearts , olives , red onion , pepperoncini , provolone cheese , mozzarella balls , salami , pepperoni , and basil or parsley .
Step 3: Dress the Salad
- Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad.
- Toss gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the mozzarella balls while mixing.
Step 4: Serve
- Divide the salad among serving bowls or plates.
- Optionally, garnish with extra basil or parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, zesty flavors!
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients : Fresh produce and high-quality meats and cheeses make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Add Protein : For a heartier salad, toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Make Ahead : Prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in airtight containers. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to keep it fresh.
- Switch Up the Greens : Use romaine, arugula, or a spring mix instead of iceberg or green leaf lettuce.
- Homemade Dressing : Make your own Italian dressing by whisking together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Perfect Pairings
This Italian Chopped Salad pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic Bread : Serve with warm garlic bread or breadsticks for soaking up any extra dressing.
- Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water, lemonade, or a cold soda for refreshment.
- Pasta : Serve alongside a simple pasta dish like spaghetti aglio e olio or marinara for a complete Italian meal.
- Wine : Pair with a glass of red wine (like Chianti) or white wine (like Pinot Grigio) for an elegant touch.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
(Based on 6 servings)
- Calories : ~300 kcal
- Protein : ~15g
- Carbohydrates : ~10g
- Fat : ~22g
- Fiber : ~3g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Chopped Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or a party appetizer, this salad delivers on taste and texture. The combination of crisp greens, tangy olives, creamy cheeses, and savory meats creates a dish that’s as indulgent as it is wholesome.
The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the ingredients, adjust the flavors, or pair it with different sides to make it your own. So grab your chopping knife, toss those ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a salad that’s as fun to share as it is to eat.
