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
Scale
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.
