Welcome to your new favorite meal-worthy salad! This Bold & Zesty Italian Chopped Salad brings together the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean in every colorful, crunchy bite. It’s a celebration of textures and tastes that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.
What makes this salad stand out is the perfect balance between fresh vegetables, savory proteins, and that signature Italian vinaigrette that ties everything together. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch or a crowd-pleasing side for your next gathering, this chopped salad delivers big flavor without complicated techniques.
Why You’ll Love This
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare components in advance for quick assembly when you’re ready to eat
- Customizable: Easily adapt with your favorite vegetables or proteins to suit your preferences
- Meal-worthy: Hearty enough to be a complete meal, yet perfect as a side dish too
- No cooking required: Perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the stove
- Great for meal prep: Stays crisp and delicious for days in the refrigerator
Ingredients
- 6 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped canned artichoke hearts
- ½ cup sliced black or green olives
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ¼ cup sliced pepperoncini
- ½ cup chopped provolone cheese
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls, halved
- ½ cup chopped salami
- ½ cup chopped pepperoni
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
- ½ cup Italian dressing (or homemade)
Instructions
- Wash and chop all vegetables. Dice the cheeses and meats. Halve the mozzarella balls.
- In a large bowl, add the chopped lettuce as the base. Top with all the other ingredients – tomatoes, artichoke hearts, olives, red onion, pepperoncini, cheeses, and meats.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley. Drizzle the Italian dressing over the top.
- Gently toss everything together to coat evenly with dressing. Serve immediately for the best crunch!
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami and add extra chickpeas or white beans for protein
- Make it gluten-free by double-checking that your salami has no gluten additives
- Add artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or marinated mushrooms for extra Mediterranean flair
- For meal prep, store the dressing separately and add just before serving to maintain crispness
- Try with fresh mozzarella pearls instead of provolone for a milder cheese option
- Add diced avocado just before serving for creamy richness
Serving Suggestions
This hearty Italian chopped salad pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread and a glass of Chianti for a complete meal. For a more substantial dinner, serve alongside grilled chicken or a simple pasta dish like spaghetti aglio e olio.
It’s also perfect for potlucks and picnics – just transport the dressing separately and toss right before serving. The bold flavors actually improve after sitting for a bit, making this an ideal make-ahead option.
Notes
- This salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if stored undressed
- For the best texture, chop all ingredients into similar bite-sized pieces
- If making ahead, add the cheese and herbs just before serving for the freshest flavor
- The dressing can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator
FAQs
Can I make this salad the night before?
Yes! Prepare all components but store the dressing separately. Combine everything just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
How can I make this salad more filling?
Add more protein like grilled chicken, tuna, or hard-boiled eggs. You can also increase the beans or add cooked farro or orzo pasta.
Is there a shortcut version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Use pre-chopped vegetables from the grocery store and a quality bottled Italian dressing to save time.
Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Yes, any sturdy lettuce works well. Try iceberg for extra crunch or a mix of spring greens for variety.
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