Chopped Italian Salad

5 from 1 vote

Apr 19, 2024, Updated Sep 27, 2024

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Bring a taste of your favorite Italian deli to your table with this flavor-packed Italian Chopped Salad!

Bursting with fresh ingredients, savory meats, and a tangy dressing, it’s the perfect light and satisfying meal for any occasion.

Two wooden bowls filled with salad and olives.

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Italian Chopped Salad
How to Make Chopped Italian Salad
Tips and Tricks for Making Chopped Italian Salad
What to Serve with Chopped Salad
Chopped Italian Salad Recipe

A salad with pepperoni, olives, and onions in a bowl.

Italian Chopped Salad

Craving a salad that packs a punch but still keeps things fresh and easy?

The Italian Chopped Salad is your new go-to! This salad is like a party in a bowl, with crunchy lettuce, flavorful meats, veggies bursting with freshness, and tangy olives thrown in for good measure.

It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even a side dish that’ll wow your friends.

So ditch the boring greens and say hello to your new favorite salad!

A salad with pepperoni, olives and tomatoes in a bowl.

How to Make Chopped Italian Salad

First assemble the following ingredients:

Romaine lettuce (2) – Crunchy romaine lettuce provides a fresh, sturdy base that holds up well under the dressing and mix-ins.
Red onion (½) – Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp, slightly sweet flavor that complements the other salad components.
Pepperoncini rings (½ cup) – Tangy pepperoncini rings introduce a mild spiciness and a pickled zest that brightens the salad.
Sliced black olives (½ cup) – Briny black olives contribute a rich, savory depth that pairs perfectly with the salad’s Mediterranean flair.
Provolone sliced (½ lb) – Mild and creamy provolone cheese adds a smooth texture and a subtle nutty taste that balances the salad’s acidity.
Salami (½ lb) – Salami brings a peppery and slightly fatty element, infusing the salad with traditional Italian cured meat flavors.
Cherry or grape tomatoes (1 cup) – Juicy cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness, adding a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the savory ingredients.
Ground black pepper – A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper adds a warm, piquant kick that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Sea salt – Just a pinch of salt helps to amplify the natural flavors of the salad’s fresh ingredients.
Italian Vinaigrette – A robust Italian vinaigrette, with its blend of herbs and vinegar, ties the salad together with a zesty, cohesive finish.

The ingredients for a salad are laid out on a wooden table.

A person is drizzling a dressing on a salad.

Use this Method

Prep. Wash the romaine and then cut the romaine vertically two or three times, from the root end (don’t cut all the way through the root, to keep the head intact) to the tips of the leaves. Then I make cuts crosswise, into 1/2″ to 3/4″ ribbons. Discard the root end.

Combine. In a large bowl, gently fold together red onion, pepperoncini, black olives, provolone, and salami. Drizzle about 1/2 cup of the Italian Vinaigrette over these ingredients, and then gently fold again.

Taste and Adjust. Add prepared lettuce and tomatoes, gently folding to incorporate. Taste for seasoning and add kosher salt and/or more of the vinaigrette, if desired. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the top and serve immediately.

Two wooden bowls of salad with meat and olives.

Tips and Tricks for Making Chopped Italian Salad

Choose Fresh Produce: Opt for the freshest vegetables you can find, as the quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the overall taste of the salad.

Uniform Chopping: Chop all your vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure each forkful has a bit of everything, enhancing the eating experience.

Quality Meats and Cheeses: Invest in high-quality meats like salami or prosciutto and cheeses such as mozzarella or provolone to give your salad authentic Italian flavors.

Use a Variety of Lettuces: Mix different types of lettuce, such as romaine and radicchio, to add varying textures and flavors to your salad.

Homemade Dressing: Make your own Italian dressing with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, mustard, and herbs for a fresher, more flavorful option than store-bought dressings.

Add Pickled Vegetables: Incorporate elements like pepperoncini, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes for tangy, briny accents that brighten up the salad.

Balance Your Ingredients: Ensure a good balance between the greens, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and dressing so no single flavor overpowers the others.

Let It Marinate: If time allows, let the salad sit for a bit after tossing it with the dressing to allow the flavors to meld together.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Finish the salad with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or oregano to add a burst of freshness and color.

Serve Immediately: To maintain the crispness of the greens and vegetables, serve the salad immediately after dressing it.

FAQS

What is the best way to chop the ingredients for a Chopped Italian Salad?

Aim for uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure each forkful includes a variety of flavors and textures. This makes the salad easier to eat and more visually appealing.

Can I make Chopped Italian Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can chop the ingredients and prepare the dressing ahead of time, but it’s best to combine everything just before serving to keep the salad fresh and prevent it from becoming soggy.

What type of olives are best for this salad?

Black olives are commonly used for their mild flavor, but you can also use Kalamata olives for a more authentic Mediterranean taste. It’s all about personal preference.

Is there a substitute for salami if I don’t eat pork?

Absolutely! You can use turkey salami, beef salami, or even a vegetarian salami alternative to cater to different dietary needs without compromising the salad’s flavor.

Can I use a different type of lettuce instead of romaine?

Yes, while romaine is traditional for its crunch, you can use iceberg for a similar texture, or a mix of spring greens for a more varied flavor profile.

How can I make my Italian Vinaigrette more flavorful?

Enhance your vinaigrette by adding fresh minced garlic, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a mix of Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for a more robust flavor.

What can I use instead of pepperoncini if I don’t like spicy food?

If you’re sensitive to spice, you can substitute pepperoncini with mild banana peppers or even skip the spicy elements altogether and add more olives or artichoke hearts for tanginess.

How do I store leftovers of the Chopped Italian Salad?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the salad may become soggy over time, especially if already dressed.

Can I add more protein to make this salad a full meal?

Certainly! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas are great protein additions that can turn this salad into a hearty, standalone meal.

How can I accommodate nut allergies when making this salad?

While this salad doesn’t traditionally include nuts, always check the ingredients of your dressing or added products like croutons to ensure they’re nut-free for guests with allergies.

A salad with pepperoni, olives and tomatoes in a glass bowl.

What to Serve with Chopped Salad

Crusty Italian Bread: Enjoy slices of warm, crusty Italian bread or focaccia on the side, perfect for mopping up any leftover dressing.

Grilled Chicken or Fish: A simple grilled chicken breast or a piece of fish like salmon or sea bass can add lean protein to your meal without overpowering the salad’s flavors.

Pasta Dishes: Serve the salad alongside a lighter pasta dish, such as spaghetti aglio e olio or a fresh tomato basil penne, for a heartier meal. Try this lobster pasta busara!

Minestrone Soup: A bowl of warm, comforting minestrone soup can complement the crisp freshness of the salad, making for a cozy and balanced meal.

Italian Meats and Cheeses: Create a charcuterie board with a selection of Italian meats, cheeses, and olives to enhance the Mediterranean vibe.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Pair with Italian-style stuffed bell peppers filled with rice, ground meat, and herbs for a flavorful and satisfying option.

Risotto: A creamy, subtly flavored risotto, such as a lemon Parmesan or mushroom risotto, can serve as a luxurious side that complements the salad’s textures.

Wine: Choose a light, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a sparkling Prosecco to match the salad’s acidity and flavors.

Fruit Salad: A light, citrusy fruit salad can offer a sweet, refreshing end to the meal, balancing the savory elements of the salad.

Tiramisu: For dessert, a classic Tiramisu with its layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream can provide a delightful finish to your Italian-themed dining experience.

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