Description
A vibrant and flavorful Italian Chopped Salad featuring a mix of crisp iceberg lettuce, bitter radicchio, sweet cherry tomatoes, and protein-rich chickpeas, all tossed with fresh mozzarella, provolone cheese, and tangy pepperoncini. The salad is perfectly dressed with a zesty, herby lemon and red wine vinegar dressing, making for a refreshing and satisfying dish that’s quick to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup radicchio, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup pearl mozzarella, halved
- 1/2 cup provolone cheese, diced
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini, sliced
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, red wine vinegar, finely chopped shallot, minced garlic, and dried oregano until well combined.
- Emulsify the Dressing: Slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil while continuously whisking to create a smooth, emulsified dressing.
- Season Dressing: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences and whisk one final time.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, mix together the chopped iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced radicchio, red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and the drained and rinsed chickpeas.
- Add Cheeses and Pepperoncini: Gently fold in the pearl mozzarella halved pieces, diced provolone cheese, and sliced pepperoncini to the salad mixture.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing evenly over the salad ingredients and toss gently to ensure every ingredient is lightly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Transfer the dressed salad onto individual serving plates or bowls and serve immediately for the freshest taste and texture.
Notes
- For added protein, consider topping the salad with grilled chicken or salami slices.
- Use fresh mozzarella pearls for a creamier texture, but sliced or diced regular mozzarella works well too.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored separately from the dressing for up to 1 day in the refrigerator.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure all ingredients and dressings do not contain gluten additives.
