If you’re craving a vibrant, fresh, and utterly delicious salad that’s bursting with Italian-inspired flavors, this Italian Chopped Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a colorful medley of crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy olives, pepperoncini, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant fresh basil—all tossed in a perfectly balanced, zesty dressing. This salad isn’t just a side dish; it’s a celebration of textures and tastes that’ll brighten up any meal or stand proudly on its own for a light lunch. Trust me, once you make this salad, it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for easy entertaining or a nourishing family dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Italian Chopped Salad Recipe calls for simple, fresh ingredients that are easy to find but pack a ton of flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role—from the crunch of the romaine lettuce and bell peppers to the creamy mozzarella and the slight heat of the pepperoncini, creating a balanced, irresistible salad.
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped: Provides a crisp, refreshing base with a mild flavor that lets the other ingredients shine.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds bursts of juicy sweetness that balance the tangy and savory flavors.
- 1 cup cucumber, diced: Contributes cool, hydrating crunch for added freshness.
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced: Offers vibrant color and a subtle sweetness that enhances the salad’s visual appeal and taste.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Brings a sharp, zesty bite that livens up every forkful.
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced: Imparts salty, briny depth typical of classic Italian dishes.
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced: Adds just the right touch of tangy heat without overwhelming the palate.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed or mini balls: Introduces creamy, mild richness for a satisfying texture contrast.
- 1/4 cup salami, diced (optional): For a savory, meaty element that makes the salad a bit heartier.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped: Infuses fresh, aromatic herbaceous notes that truly make this an Italian classic.
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: A luxurious base for the dressing, contributing fruitiness and smoothness.
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Provides acidity and brightness to lift all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and adds a subtle tangy sharpness.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Brings a savory punch that rounds out the dressing’s profile.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Italian herb that complements the salad perfectly.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every flavor note.
How to Make Italian Chopped Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
Start by chopping your romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, then halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the cucumber and red bell pepper. Finely chop the red onion and slice the black olives and pepperoncini peppers. If you’re using salami, dice it into small cubes. This prep work will set the stage for a salad with the perfect balance of crunchy, juicy, and savory components.
Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients
In a large salad bowl, gently toss together all your freshly prepared vegetables along with the mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. Adding them all at this stage ensures the ingredients will get evenly coated in your dressing later, blending flavors beautifully without getting soggy.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This dressing is where the magic happens—it’s tangy, savory, and just a little bit zesty, perfectly complementing the crisp veggies and cheese.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Pour your homemade dressing over the salad and toss gently, making sure every bit of the Italian Chopped Salad Recipe is evenly coated with that flavorful dressing. You can serve it immediately for a fresh, crunchy bite or chill it for 15 to 20 minutes if you prefer the flavors to meld and deepen. Either way, it’s a winner!
How to Serve Italian Chopped Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra touches elevates the salad beautifully. Consider topping it with freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of chili flakes for warmth, or an extra drizzle of olive oil for a glossy finish. Toasted pine nuts or a few whole basil leaves can add even more variety in texture and aroma.
Side Dishes
This Italian Chopped Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, crusty bread, or pasta dishes like spaghetti aglio e olio. The fresh, vibrant flavors offer a perfect counterbalance to rich or hearty mains, making it a versatile choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, stuff the salad into hollowed-out bell peppers or serve it in individual mason jars for picnics and parties. Layering the salad ingredients attractively before tossing can also wow guests visually and add to the dining experience. No matter how you present it, this salad is sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep in mind the salad is at its best within 1-2 days because the fresh ingredients, especially the lettuce and bell peppers, can start to lose their crispness over time.
Freezing
This salad isn’t suitable for freezing since the fresh, crunchy veggies and cheese lose their texture and become watery after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.
Reheating
The Italian Chopped Salad Recipe is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. If you’re craving warm flavors, pair the salad with a hot main dish instead to enjoy the contrast.
FAQs
Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the mozzarella cheese and salami, or replace the cheese with a plant-based alternative. The salad remains flavorful and satisfying without these ingredients.
What can I substitute for pepperoncini peppers?
If you can’t find pepperoncini, mild banana peppers or pickled jalapeños work well as alternatives, offering some tang and gentle heat to the salad.
How long does the salad stay fresh?
For optimal freshness, eat within 1 to 2 days of preparation. After that, the lettuce and other veggies may become soggy, so it’s best to enjoy it promptly.
Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas are fantastic additions to turn this salad into a hearty entrée while maintaining its bright, Italian-inspired flavors.
Is it okay to prepare the dressing ahead of time?
You can prepare the dressing up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk or shake before tossing it with the salad to recombine any separated ingredients.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about this Italian Chopped Salad Recipe—the way every bite combines crisp, creamy, tangy, and savory elements makes it a true standout. Whether you’re hosting friends, looking for a quick lunch, or need a fresh salad to brighten a meal, this recipe will not disappoint. I hope you try it soon and discover just how much fun and flavor a salad can bring to your table!
Print
Italian Chopped Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Italian Chopped Salad featuring crisp romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and an assortment of savory ingredients like black olives, pepperoncini peppers, mozzarella cheese, and optional salami, all tossed in a zesty red wine vinegar and garlic dressing. Perfect as a quick and flavorful side or light meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed or mini balls
- 1/4 cup salami, diced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, sliced black olives, sliced pepperoncini peppers, mozzarella cheese, optional diced salami, and chopped fresh basil. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh crunch of the vegetables and cheese, or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Notes
- You can omit the salami to make the salad vegetarian.
- Feel free to substitute pepperoncini peppers with mild banana peppers if you prefer less heat.
- The salad is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the vegetables.
- For added protein, grilled chicken or chickpeas can be added.
- Use freshly chopped basil for the best aroma and flavor.
