Italian Chopped Salad

Name: Italian Chopped Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup black olives, sliced; 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced; 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed or mini balls; 1/4 cup salami, diced (optional); 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Isabella

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Italian Chopped Salad a vibrant, crunchy salad packed with fresh vegetables, savory Italian flavors, and a zesty homemade vinaigrette that’s perfect for a light meal or a refreshing side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this Italian Chopped Salad combines crisp, fresh veggies with tangy pepperoncini and creamy mozzarella, all tossed in a bright, flavorful vinaigrette. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and feels so fresh, making it perfect for warm days or when I want something light yet satisfying. Plus, the option to add salami adds a nice touch of protein and richness if I’m in the mood for something a bit heartier. This salad also holds up well if I want to prepare it ahead, making it a great choice for quick lunches or dinner sides.

Ingredients

4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup black olives, sliced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced

1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed or mini balls

1/4 cup salami, diced (optional)

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

For the dressing:

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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

Directions

In a large salad bowl, I combine the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, olives, pepperoncini, mozzarella, salami (if I’m using it), and fresh basil.

Next, in a small bowl or jar, I whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.

I pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to make sure all the ingredients are evenly coated.

I usually serve it immediately for the freshest crunch, but sometimes I chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare, with no cooking time needed, making it a perfect quick meal or side dish.

Variations

I like to switch things up by adding some roasted red peppers or substituting the salami for pepperoni or prosciutto. For a vegetarian version, I simply leave out the salami, and sometimes I add chickpeas for extra protein. You could also swap mozzarella for feta if you prefer a tangier cheese. If I want more texture, I throw in some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, but I recommend keeping the dressing separate if possible to avoid soggy greens. The salad stays fresh for up to 2 days, though it’s best enjoyed the same day. Since it’s a cold salad, reheating isn’t needed.

Related Recipes:

Winter Salad with Tangy Homemade Vinaigrette

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep it ahead but keep the dressing separate until just before serving to keep everything crisp.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Absolutely, all the ingredients here are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, mozzarella is traditional, but feta or goat cheese work well too for different flavors.

What can I use instead of pepperoncini?

If you don’t have pepperoncini, banana peppers or mild pickled jalapeños make good substitutes.

Can I add protein to make it a full meal?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even boiled eggs pair nicely to make it more filling.

Conclusion

This Italian Chopped Salad is a refreshing, colorful dish that I turn to when I want something simple yet flavorful. Its combination of fresh vegetables, savory touches like olives and pepperoncini, and the tangy homemade dressing make it a satisfying light meal or an excellent side for any occasion. I find it quick to prepare, adaptable to my mood, and easy to customize — perfect for everyday meals or entertaining.