Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Italian Chopped Salad is a vibrant, hearty, and satisfying dish loaded with fresh vegetables, savory meats, cheese, and a zesty dressing. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, this salad brings the bold flavors of Italy into every bite. It’s easy to customize, great for meal prep, and always a crowd-pleaser.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

romaine lettuceradicchiotomatoescucumberred onionpepperoncinisliced salami or pepperonihard salami or prosciuttogarbanzo beans (chickpeas)mozzarella or provolone cheeseparmesan cheeseolive oilred wine vinegarlemon juiceDijon mustardgarlicdried oreganoSalt and pepper

directions

Chop romaine and radicchio into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.

Dice tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and pepperoncinis, then add to the bowl.

Cut meats and cheeses into small cubes or strips and toss into the salad.

Add drained and rinsed garbanzo beans.

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

Pour dressing over the salad and toss everything thoroughly to combine.

Top with freshly grated parmesan before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4-6 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesTotal time: 15 minutes

Variations

Use grilled chicken or turkey for a lighter protein option.

Swap mozzarella for feta or gorgonzola for a bolder flavor.

Add cooked pasta to turn it into a pasta salad.

Include roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for extra depth.

Use a creamy Italian dressing if you prefer a richer finish.

storage/reheating

Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Store the dressing separately and add just before serving to maintain freshness.This salad is best served cold and does not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I make Italian Chopped Salad ahead of time?

Yes, just keep the dressing separate and combine before serving.

What’s the best lettuce to use?

Romaine is ideal for crunch, but you can mix in iceberg or butter lettuce.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all your ingredients (especially meats) are gluten-free.

Can I use canned beans?

Absolutely—just rinse and drain before adding.

What kind of cheese works best?

Provolone, mozzarella, or parmesan are classic choices.

Can I skip the meat?

Yes, it can be made vegetarian by omitting the meats and adding more beans or avocado.

What makes this “chopped” salad different?

All ingredients are uniformly chopped for a balanced bite in every forkful.

Can I use a store-bought dressing?

Yes, but homemade dressing provides fresher flavor and better control over ingredients.

How do I keep it crisp?

Store components separately and dress just before eating.

Can kids enjoy this salad?

Yes, especially if you tailor the ingredients to their tastes.

Conclusion

Italian Chopped Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion—from weeknight dinners to potluck parties. Packed with texture and bold Mediterranean flavors, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.