Description
This Delicious Italian Chopped Salad offers a fresh, vibrant combination of crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and zesty red onion, balanced with savory Genoa salami, creamy fresh mozzarella, tangy pepperoncini, and sweet roasted red peppers. Tossed in a flavorful Italian vinaigrette, this salad is perfect for a quick, wholesome meal that bursts with traditional Italian flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Fresh Vegetables
- 1 head Romaine Lettuce
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes
- 1 cup Cucumbers
- 1 small Red Onion
- 1/2 cup Pepperoncini
- 1/2 cup Roasted Red Peppers
- 1/4 cup Basil Leaves
Proteins & Dairy
- 1 can Chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
- 4 oz Genoa Salami
- 8 oz Fresh Mozzarella
Dressing
- 1/2 cup Italian Vinaigrette (made from olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash all fresh produce thoroughly. Chop the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion (soaked in water for 10 minutes if too strong), pepperoncini, roasted red peppers, and basil leaves into bite-sized pieces to ensure even distribution and easy eating.
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a jar or small bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk vigorously until emulsified and well mixed, creating a balanced Italian vinaigrette.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, layer the chopped romaine lettuce first. Then add cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, rinsed chickpeas, red onion, sliced Genoa salami, torn fresh mozzarella, pepperoncini, and roasted red peppers evenly on top for a colorful and textured presentation.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared Italian vinaigrette evenly over the assembled salad. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are coated with the flavorful dressing without wilting the lettuce.
- Serve or Store: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste and texture. Alternatively, keep the dressing separate and refrigerate it until ready to eat to maintain optimal crispness of the salad ingredients.
Notes
- Soaking red onion in cold water for 10 minutes can reduce its sharpness if desired.
- Use high-quality Genoa salami and fresh mozzarella packed in water for the best flavor and texture.
- To keep basil leaves fresh longer, store with stems in water before chopping.
- For a vegetarian version, omit salami or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
- Chickpeas add protein and creaminess, making this salad more filling.
