Chopped Italian Salad: Easy, Flavorful, and Perfectly Refreshing

Hey mates! You know those days when you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and easy to throw together? That’s exactly when I turn to my Chopped Italian Salad.

Uhmm, so yummyyy!!

I’ve got a funny story for you. Once, Dez and I decided to have a picnic on the beach with the kiddos. We packed everything – the blankets, the frisbees, the sunscreen – but completely forgot the food. Classic, right?

Luckily, there’s this little Italian deli near our spot, and I quickly whipped up this Italian chopped salad on the go. The kids devoured it, and it became an instant family favorite (along with Chicken Salad). Now, it’s a staple in our house, perfect for those busy days or impromptu beach picnics.

Ready? Let’s get a little new delicious taste for your beloved one.

Table of Contents

Why Is It Called a “Chopped Italian Salad”?

Ever wondered why this delicious dish is called a Chopped Italian Salad? The magic lies in both the technique and the flavors that bring this salad to life. “Chopped” refers to the way each ingredient is diced into bite-sized pieces, making sure you get a bit of everything in every forkful. It’s all about texture and convenience – no huge leaves or chunks of meat here, just well-balanced bites bursting with flavor!

The “Italian” aspect? It’s a nod to the ingredients that are synonymous with Italian cuisine – from tangy salami and pepperoni to the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses that add creamy richness. The olives, fresh herbs, and robust dressing with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano also give this salad that unmistakable Italian flair. It’s a salad that speaks to simplicity, bold flavors, and fresh ingredients – hallmarks of Italian cooking!

Ingredients Used to Make Chopped Italian Salad

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup black olives, sliced
1/4 cup green olives, sliced
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup salami, diced
1/2 cup pepperoni, diced

1/2 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Chopped Italian Salad

Alright, let’s get to the fun part – making this tasty salad!

Prep the Veggies: Start by chopping up the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion. Toss them all into a large salad bowl.
Add the Goodies: Next, add the black and green olives, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, diced salami, diced pepperoni, and chickpeas to the bowl. These ingredients bring in all the delicious Italian flavors we love.
Herbs and Freshness: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil and parsley over the salad. This adds a fresh, aromatic touch.

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined.
Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until it’s nicely coated. Make sure every bite is packed with flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Dish out your Chopped Italian Salad into bowls or plates and enjoy! This salad is perfect on its own or as a side dish.

A super easy, fresh, and flavorful Chopped Italian Salad will make your taste buds do a happy dance. Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, it’s sure to be a hit.

So, grab your ingredients and get chopping!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 320 kcal

Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 25g

Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g

Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 15g

Cholesterol: 35mg

Tips for Preparing the Perfect Dressing

A great salad is only as good as its dressing, and the Chopped Italian Salad is no exception! Here are a few tips to ensure your dressing is as flavorful and balanced as possible:

Emulsify for Creaminess: The key to a smooth dressing is emulsification. When whisking together olive oil, vinegar, and mustard, whisk vigorously to blend the oil and acid into a creamy, unified sauce. You can even use a small blender or shake it in a jar with a tight lid for an even better mix.

Balance Your Acidity: If you find your dressing too tangy, add a small pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey. This will help mellow out the sharpness from the vinegar and lemon juice.
Taste as You Go: Season your dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, once the dressing hits the salad, it’s harder to adjust. Always taste it before pouring to ensure it’s just right.
Let It Sit: For an extra punch of flavor, let your dressing sit for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the salad. This gives the garlic and oregano time to infuse into the oil, making each bite even more flavorful.

This easy italian salad is perfect for any occasion. So next time you’re in the mood for something light yet satisfying, try out one of the many delicious chopped salad recipe with a twist of Italian flair!

Quick Cooking Recipe

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: None (It’s a salad, silly!)
Inactive Time: None
Total Time: 20 minutes

Author: Jen Sharpin | So Damn Delish

Yield: 4-6 servings

This Chopped Italian Salad is bursting with fresh veggies, savory meats, and creamy cheese. It’s the ideal choice for a fast, flavorful meal that satisfies.

Ingredients

1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup black olives, sliced

1/4 cup green olives, sliced
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup salami, diced
1/2 cup pepperoni, diced
1/2 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Chop the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion. Toss them into a large salad bowl.
Add the black and green olives, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, diced salami, diced pepperoni, and chickpeas to the bowl.
Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil and parsley over the salad.

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite Italian ingredients. Add some artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or even a splash of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

For more delicious recipes, tips, and tricks for delicious dishes like Chopped Italian Salad, check out So Damn Delish – your go-to spot for all things yummy and easy in the kitchen!