The Best Easy Italian Chopped Salad Recipe

This Italian chopped salad recipe is the best meal prep side salad to grab and go for lunch. Made with crunchy lettuce, sweet cherry tomatoes, and other simple ingredients, it may just fool you into thinking you’re at an Italian restaurant.

Italian cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and simple yet satisfying dishes. One such dish that exemplifies the essence of Italian cooking is the Italian chopped salad. 

Bursting with colors, textures, and an array of flavors, this italian salad is a delightful medley of vegetables, cheeses, and cured meats. Join us as we take you on a culinary journey to Italy and share a delicious and authentic Italian chopped salad recipe.

If you like this italian chop salad recipe you may also like to try my Big Mac Salad Bowls.

INGREDIENTS YOU WILL NEED FOR THE ITALIAN CHOPPED SALAD RECIPE

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make the base of this salad (the exact measurements, nutrition information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post):

• Romaine lettuce
• Iceberg lettuce
• Cherry tomatoes – alternatively can use grape tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Garbanzo beans
• Red onion
• Pepperoncini peppers – can use banana peppers instead.
• Kalamata olives – can use black olives if you prefer
• Salty salami – genoa salami works great but any other italian meats will do the trick.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Zesty italian dressing – or you can make a homemade italian vinaigrette with extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, italian seasoning, lemon juice, etc.
• Optional – artichoke hearts, yellow bell peppers, red peppers, fresh basil, mozzarella cheese, provolone cheese, persian cucumbers, green onions, etc.

HOW TO MAKE

1. Prepare the Salad:
   • In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, red onion, kalamata olives, pepperoncini peppers, salami, and parmesan cheese.
   • Toss the ingredients gently to combine.
2. Dress the Salad:
   • Drizzle the dressing over the salad, starting with a small amount.
   • Toss the salad thoroughly to ensure that the dressing is evenly distributed.
   • Add more dressing if needed, but be careful not to overdress the salad.
3. Season and Serve:
   • Taste the salad and season with additional salt and black pepper if desired.
   • Allow the salad to rest for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
   • Serve the Italian chopped salad as a main course or as a side dish with crusty garlic bread.

STORING THE HEARTY SALAD

To store the Italian chopped salad and keep it fresh for later consumption, follow these guidelines:

1. Refrigeration: Place any remaining salad in an airtight container or cover the salad bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the salad promptly after preparation to maintain its freshness.
2. Separation: If possible, store the dressing separately from the salad to prevent the lettuce and other ingredients from becoming soggy. You can either store the dressing in a separate small container or use small individual dressing containers.
3. Use within 2-3 days: The salad is best consumed within 2-3 days of preparation to ensure optimal flavor and texture. After this time, the vegetables may become wilted, and the overall quality of the salad may deteriorate.
4. Assembly before serving: When you’re ready to enjoy the salad, remove it from the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature for a few minutes. If the dressing was stored separately, drizzle it over the salad and toss gently to combine. This will ensure the flavors are well distributed.
5. Optional: If you’re preparing the salad in advance for later use, you can also keep some ingredients separate, such as delicate greens or crispy toppings, and add them just before serving to maintain their texture and freshness.

CAN I MAKE SUBSTITUTIONS IN THIS HOMEMADE SALAD?

Absolutely! The beauty of a salad is its versatility. 

Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. You can add or substitute vegetables like bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or radishes. Additionally, you can incorporate different types of cured meats, cheeses, or even add cooked pasta to make it heartier.

​CAN I OMIT THE MEAT AND MAKE THIS VEGETARIAN?

Absolutely! The salad will still be delicious without the meat. You can enhance the flavors by adding more cheese, roasted vegetables, or protein-rich ingredients like cooked quinoa or beans.

​CAN I USE A DIFFERENT LETTUCE INSTEAD OF ROMAINE?

Yes, you can use different types of lettuce or mixed greens as a base for your salad. Some popular options include butter lettuce, green leaf lettuce, or a mix of baby greens.

Choose a crisp lettuce variety that you enjoy and that will hold up well when tossed with the other ingredients.

Other Easy Dinner Ideas You May Like To Try!

• Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole
• Spicy Salmon Sushi Bowl Recipe
• Quick Low Carb Tortilla Pizza Recipe
• Easy Low Carb Spaghetti Squash With Meat Sauce
• The Best Easy Vegan Pesto With Zucchini Noodles

IF YOU TRIED THIS HEARTY ITALIAN CHOPPED SALAD RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails