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.
-
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine chopped iceberg lettuce, radicchio, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and chickpeas.
- Add mozzarella, provolone cheese, and pepperoncini.
-
Toss Together:
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine, ensuring an even coating of dressing.
-
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