Italian Chopped Salad

The Italian Chopped Salad is a timeless recipe that brings bold Mediterranean flavors to your table in the most delicious way. Crisp romaine, peppery radicchio, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and sweet peppers form the vibrant base. Add savory salami, creamy provolone, briny olives, and tangy pepperoncini, and you’ll enjoy a hearty bowl that feels like a complete meal.

What sets this salad apart is its homemade Italian dressing. A bright mix of red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, and olive oil ensures every bite is bursting with flavor. Tossed to coat evenly, it creates that classic zesty taste Italian salads are known for.

Interestingly, chopped salads gained popularity in Italian-American restaurants during the mid-20th century as a quick way to combine antipasto flavors into one dish. Today, the Italian Chopped Salad keeps that tradition alive, making it a perfect option for both weeknight dinners and entertaining.

Recipe Yield: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup radicchio, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
½ small red onion, finely chopped
½ cup black olives, sliced
½ cup pepperoncini, sliced
1 cup salami, diced
1 cup provolone cheese, diced
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

For the Dressing
½ cup olive oil
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare vegetables:
Wash and chop romaine, radicchio, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Place in a large salad bowl.

2. Add classic mix-ins:
Stir in olives, pepperoncini, salami, and provolone for rich flavor and hearty texture.

3. Make the dressing:
In a small jar or bowl, whisk olive oil, vinegar, Dijon, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

4. Combine salad:
Pour dressing over salad, tossing until evenly coated.

5. Finish and serve:
Sprinkle with Parmesan, adjust seasoning, and serve immediately for the best crunch.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Balance the Dressing: Taste and adjust acidity with a splash more vinegar if you prefer a sharper flavor.
• Keep It Fresh: Chop vegetables right before serving so the salad stays crisp and colorful.
• Upgrade the Protein: Swap salami for grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a lighter option.

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Try Similar:

Mediterranean Taverna Salad
09.08.2025
Appetizers and Salads

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