Italian Chopped Salad
This Italian Chopped Salad has everything: deli meats, mozzarella, olives, artichoke hearts… plus a tangy vinaigrette to tie it together.
Ingredients
FOR THE SALAD
- 1 large head romaine lettuce finely chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1/2 small head radicchio thinly shredded (about ¾ to 1 cup)
- 5 ounces grape tomatoes halved (about 1 cup)
- 1 medium cucumber diced (about 1 cup)
- 6 ounces salami pepperoni, or a combination, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small red onion thinly sliced (about ½ cup)
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cut into cubes (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup artichoke hearts drained and diced
- 1/2 cup black olives sliced
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup pepperoncini slices
- 1/4 cup fresh basil sliced into ribbons
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese optional
FOR THE ITALIAN VINAIGRETTE
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 clove garlic minced (about 1 teaspoon)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- MAKE DRESSING: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, ¼ cup red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 clove minced garlic, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- COMBINE SALAD: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped romaine, radicchio, grape tomatoes, cucumber, sliced deli meats, red onion, mozzarella, artichoke hearts, black olives, pepperoncini, and fresh basil.
- DRESS: Drizzle about ¾ of the dressing over the salad and toss gently with salad tongs until evenly coated. Add more dressing as desired.
- SERVE: Sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese if using and serve immediately.
Notes
Make-Ahead: Chop all ingredients up to 1 day ahead and store separately in airtight containers. Dress just before serving to keep the salad crisp.
Storage: Undressed salad keeps for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator. Dressed salad is best eaten within 1 day.
Dressing Storage: Store dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Shake well before using.
Flavor Tip: If the dressing tastes too sharp, add a small pinch of sugar to balance.
Substitutions:
Swap radicchio for iceberg or red cabbage.
Use Kalamata olives instead of black olives.
Use provolone instead of mozzarella.
Add grilled chicken instead of deli meats for a lighter option.
Swap radicchio for iceberg or red cabbage.
Use Kalamata olives instead of black olives.
Use provolone instead of mozzarella.
Add grilled chicken instead of deli meats for a lighter option.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 592cal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 52g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 2059mg | Sugar: 4g | Fiber: 3g | Calcium: 266mg | Iron: 2mg