Italian Chopped Salad Recipe | Hearty Chopped Salad

If you're craving a fresh, vibrant, and satisfying salad, then this Italian Chopped Salad recipe is the answer. Packed with a variety of crisp vegetables, salty meats, and a tangy homemade dressing, this salad is the perfect side dish for any occasion.

Why You'll Love This Spectacular Salad

• Quick & Easy. Ready in just 15-20 minutes!
• Packed with Flavor. A delicious combination of crunchy vegetables, savory meats, and a tangy dressing.
• Customizable. Add your favorite ingredients to make it your own!
• Healthy & Filling. A hearty salad that can stand on its own or complement any main course.
• Vibrant Colors. A feast for the eyes as well as the stomach.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving a crowd, this Italian Chopped Salad is sure to be a hit. It's versatile, refreshing, and loaded with fresh ingredients that are bursting with flavor.

What Is A Chopped Salad?

A chopped salad is a type of salad where the ingredients—typically vegetables, fruits, and sometimes proteins—are all finely chopped or diced into bite-sized pieces.

The goal is to make each bite of the salad consistent, where every ingredient is present in every forkful. This technique ensures that the dressing evenly coats the ingredients and the flavors are balanced in each bite.

What Does Italian Chopped Salad Taste Like?

Italian Chopped Salads are not only flavorful, but they also offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

The crunchy vegetables like Romaine lettuce, cucumbers, and bell peppers provide a fresh base, while the salami, olives, and mozzarella add a savory element. A good Italian dressing ties everything together, giving it the perfect tangy finish. This salad is a favorite for a reason!

Ingredients You'll Need

For The Salad

• Romaine Lettuce- Fresh, crunchy, and the perfect base for any chopped salad.
• Cucumbers- Adds a refreshing crunch.
• Bell Peppers- Use a variety of colorful bell peppers to add sweetness and color to your salad.
• Red Onion- Gives the salad a mild sharpness that complements the other ingredients.
• Tomatoes- Cherry or grape tomatoes add juiciness and balance the flavors.
• Salami or Pepperoni- These classic Italian meats add a savory richness.
• Mozzarella Cheese- Fresh mozzarella adds creaminess and a mild flavor that contrasts with the tangy dressing.
• Black Olives- Provides briny notes that enhance the salad's flavor profile.

For The Dressing

• Olive Oil- The base for a smooth, flavorful dressing.
• Red Wine Vinegar- Gives the dressing its tangy flavor.
• Dijon Mustard- Adds a touch of sharpness and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Garlic Powder- For savory depth.
• Italian Seasoning- A blend of oregano, basil, and other herbs that are quintessential to Italian cuisine.
• Salt & Pepper- Essential for balancing the flavors and seasoning the dressing.

How To Make Italian Chopped Salad

1. Prepare the Vegetables. Start by washing and drying your vegetables. Chop the Romaine lettuce, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. You want everything to be easy to grab with a fork, so keep the pieces uniform. Slice the tomatoes in halves or quarters, depending on their size, and set them aside.
2. Prepare the Meats and Cheese. For the meats, slice your salami or pepperoni into small pieces. You can also use diced ham or prosciutto for a different flavor. Next, chop the mozzarella into cubes or tear it into smaller chunks. If you prefer a creamier cheese, you can also use bocconcini or burrata.
3. Make the Dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more vinegar for tang or salt for flavor. Once well combined, set it aside so the flavors can meld together.
4. Assemble the Salad. In a large bowl, combine the prepared Romaine lettuce, cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, red onion, salami, mozzarella, and black olives. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until the salad is well coated. Be sure not to overdress it, as you can always add more later.
5. Serve and Enjoy! Transfer the salad to a large serving bowl or individual plates. Garnish with extra mozzarella or olives for an added touch of flavor. For an extra layer of flavor, you can sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tips And Tricks

If you're craving a fresh, vibrant, and satisfying salad, then this Italian Chopped Salad recipe is the answer.

• Chop Everything Uniformly. The key to a great chopped salad is uniformity. When the ingredients are evenly chopped, each bite will have a balance of flavors.
• Fresh Ingredients Matter. Use fresh, crisp vegetables for the best texture and flavor. The fresher the ingredients, the better the salad will taste.
• Adjust the Dressing. If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can add a spoonful of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the dressing to make it richer. For a spicier version, add a little crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing.

Variations

While the traditional Italian Chopped Salad is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to make this dish your own. Here are some variations to try:

• Grilled Chicken- Add some grilled chicken breast or thighs to the salad for extra protein. Chicken pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the dressing.
• Avocado- For a creamy, buttery twist, add ripe avocado to the mix. The creamy texture of the avocado contrasts wonderfully with the crisp vegetables.
• Vegetarian- If you're vegetarian, simply omit the meats and double up on the vegetables. You can also add chickpeas or cannellini beans for extra protein.

What To Eat With Italian Chopped Salad?

This salad is versatile enough to be enjoyed as a side dish or as the main course. Here are a few ideas of what to serve alongside it:

• Grilled Meat or Seafood- This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats such as steak, chicken, or pork. It also complements seafood like shrimp or grilled salmon.
• Italian Bread- Serve with crusty Italian bread or garlic bread for a hearty meal. The bread can be used to scoop up the salad or soak up the flavorful dressing.
• Pasta Dishes- If you're serving this as a side, it's perfect alongside pasta dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, or fettuccine Alfredo.
• Cheese and Charcuterie Board- Pair it with a cheese and charcuterie board for a Mediterranean-inspired spread.

How Long Does It Last?

Italian Chopped Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can last for a couple of days in the fridge.

Make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it crisp. However, it’s best to keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to avoid the salad becoming soggy.

More Italian-Inspired Dishes

• Eggplant Rollatini
• Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
• Spaghetti Carbonara
• Italian Beef Sandwich
• Keto Tuscan Chicken

Pin It!

If you love this Italian Chopped Salad recipe as much as we do, make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook and Instagram so they can try it too! Don't forget to Pin it so you can make it again soon.