This Italian Chopped Salad is a vibrant and hearty dish that combines crisp greens, fresh vegetables, tangy pepperoncini, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Inspired by classic Italian flavors, it’s perfect as a standalone meal or a delightful side dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: A mix of fresh vegetables, cheeses, and a tangy dressing ensures every bite is packed with taste.
- Versatile Meal: Enjoy it on its own for a light lunch or pair it with your favorite main dishes.
- Quick and Easy: With simple preparation, this salad comes together in minutes.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Nutritious: Loaded with fresh produce and protein-rich chickpeas, it’s a healthy addition to any meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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For the Salad:
- Iceberg lettuce
- Radicchio
- Red onion
- Cherry tomatoes
- Chickpeas
- Pearl mozzarella
- Provolone cheese
- Pepperoncini
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For the Lemon Vinaigrette:
- Lemon juice
- Red wine vinegar
- Shallot
- Garlic
- Dried oregano
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, red wine vinegar, finely chopped shallot, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Gradually add extra-virgin olive oil while whisking until emulsified. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine chopped iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced radicchio, sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, drained and rinsed chickpeas, pearl mozzarella, diced provolone cheese, and sliced pepperoncini.
- Toss Together: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine, ensuring an even coating.
- Serve: Transfer to serving plates and enjoy immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
Variations
- Add Protein: Incorporate grilled chicken, salami, or tuna for a heartier meal.
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace meats with roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for added depth.
- Cheese Options: Swap provolone with feta or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Herb Enhancements: Fresh basil or parsley can be added for extra freshness.
- Crunch Factor: Top with croutons or toasted nuts for added texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Dressing Storage: Keep extra dressing separately in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before use.
- Note: For optimal freshness, it’s best to dress the salad just before serving.
FAQs
What can I use instead of iceberg lettuce?
Romaine lettuce or a mix of spring greens can be great substitutes, offering a different texture and flavor.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the lemon vinaigrette can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Omit the cheeses or replace them with plant-based alternatives, and ensure the dressing ingredients are vegan-friendly.
What other vegetables can I add?
Cucumbers, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts make excellent additions to this salad.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feta, Parmesan, or even blue cheese can be used to vary the flavor.
How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
Dress the salad just before serving and ensure any added ingredients like roasted chickpeas or croutons are added at the last minute.
What can I serve with this salad?
It pairs well with crusty bread, pasta dishes, or grilled proteins like chicken or fish.
Can I add nuts or seeds?
Yes, toasted pine nuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds can add a delightful crunch.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Store the dressing separately and combine just before eating.
Conclusion
This Italian Chopped Salad is a delightful medley of flavors and textures, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a complement to your favorite dishes, its fresh ingredients and zesty dressing are sure to impress. Give it a try and savor the taste of Italy in every bite!
Print
Italian Chopped Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Italian Chopped Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish, packed with crisp greens, colorful vegetables, creamy mozzarella, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette. Inspired by classic Italian flavors, it’s perfect as a standalone meal or a side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- Iceberg lettuce, chopped
- Radicchio, thinly sliced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- Pearl mozzarella, halved
- Provolone cheese, diced
- Pepperoncini, sliced
For the Lemon Vinaigrette:
- Lemon juice
- Red wine vinegar
- Shallot, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Dried oregano
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, red wine vinegar, shallot, garlic, and oregano.
- Slowly add olive oil, whisking until emulsified.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine chopped iceberg lettuce, radicchio, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and chickpeas.
- Add mozzarella, provolone cheese, and pepperoncini.
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Toss Together:
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine, ensuring an even coating of dressing.
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Serve:
- Transfer to serving plates and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Add Protein: Incorporate grilled chicken, salami, or tuna for a heartier meal.
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace meats with roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Cheese Options: Swap provolone with feta or Parmesan.
- Herb Enhancements: Add fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor.
- Crunch Factor: Top with croutons or toasted nuts for texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
