EASY Italian Chopped Salad Recipe

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This Easy Italian Chopped Salad Recipe is the ultimate fresh, crunchy, flavor-packed salad recipe loaded with crisp romaine, salty salami, nutty parmesan, juicy tomatoes, and zesty pepperoncini—tossed in a tangy homemade Italian dressing.

This salad is a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with Italian classics like our Chicken Saltimbocca or a big pot of slow-simmered Sunday Gravy.

Italian chopped Salad recipe close up in large white bowl

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This easy Italian chopped salad is perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, or serving up at your next family gathering. I love how customizable it is—add chickpeas, swap the cheese, or pile on extra veggies. It’s seriously one of those salads that keeps you coming back for another bite!

If you like this salad recipe, you may also love our La Scala Chopped Salad, Easy Italian Giardiniera Recipe, or our Burrata Caprese.

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Why We Love This Recipe
Italian Chopped Salad Ingredients
Substitutions & Variations
How to Make this EASY Italian Chopped Salad Recipe
How to Make Homemade Croutons
Expert Tips for Success
Storage
Recipe FAQs
More Salad Recipes You'll Love ♥️
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Why We Love This Recipe

Loaded with Italian Flavors: Every bite packs salty salami, creamy mozzarella, and zesty pepperoncini tossed in a homemade Italian dressing.
Meaty and Cheesy: This one hits the spot—kind of like Columbia’s 1905 Salad with its ham and Swiss, but here you get savory salami and sharp parmesan for that classic Italian deli vibe.
Crisp, Fresh, and Satisfying: Romaine, tomatoes, red onion, and chickpeas give it the perfect crunch and balance.
Great for Meal Prep: Stays crisp and flavorful, making it ideal for lunches or easy weeknight dinners.

Italian Chopped Salad Ingredients

Romaine Lettuce: Crisp romaine lettuce forms the base.
Tomatoes: Juicy, flavorful diced tomatoes that add the perfect pop of color and taste like summer.
Cucumber: Crunchy and cool, cucumber adds freshness.
Black Olives: These guys bring a rich, savory flavor to the party.
Red Onion: Sliced super thin and packing a punch, red onion adds a zesty kick.
Pepperoncini Peppers: Tangy, slightly spicy, and oh-so-delicious, these little peppers add a pop of flavor that'll keep you coming back for more.
Radish: These crisp, peppery slices add flavor.
Italian Seasoning: It's like magic in a jar! This blend of herbs and spices adds that classic Italian flavor we all love.
Shaved Parmesan: Creamy and nutty, Parmesan cheese adds a touch of richness to our salad.
Croutons: These crunchy nuggets of goodness add texture and crunch.
Italian salad dressing or red wine vinaigrette

A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Substitutions & Variations

Romaine Lettuce: Instead of romaine lettuce, you can use iceberg lettuce, spinach, or mixed greens as a base for your salad.
Parmesan Cheese: Feel free to substitute shaved Parmesan cheese with white cheddar or shredded mozzarella for a slightly different flavor.
Protein: Add grilled chicken or chick peas for a protein boost.
Vegetables: Mix and match your favorite veggies! Try roasted red peppers, artichokes, or hearts of palm.
Grains: For a heartier salad, add cooked quinoa or couscous.
Style: Turn the main ingredients into a pasta salad by adding penne or tortellini.

How to Make this EASY Italian Chopped Salad Recipe

Step One: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

In a large salad bowl, combine the thinly sliced salami, chopped romaine lettuce, diced tomato, cucumber, sliced black olives, thinly sliced red onion, sliced pepperoncini peppers, and thinly sliced radish.

Step Two: Season the Salad

Sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly over the salad ingredients. Season with salt and pepper according to taste preferences.

Step Three: Top with Parmesan and Croutons

Generously sprinkle the shaved Parmesan cheese over the salad. Add the croutons on top to provide a delightful crunch and texture.

Step Four: Serve

Gently toss the salad ingredients until well combined and evenly coated with the seasoning. Serve immediately.

How to Make Homemade Croutons

Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
Cube 3-4 cups of stale bread like baguette or ciabatta.
Toss with 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter.
Season generously with salt, pepper, and dried herbs like Italian seasoning or thyme.
Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and crispy.
Cool completely on the baking sheet.
Store in an airtight container or resealable bag.

Expert Tips for Success

👩‍🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!

✔️ DO Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
✔️ DO Add homemade croutons to the top.
✔️ DO Whisk together a homemade dressing.

Storage

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make Italian Chopped salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While Parmesan cheese adds a delicious nutty flavor to the salad, you can substitute it with any other cheese you prefer, such as white cheddar or mozzarella.

Can I customize this salad with additional toppings?

Of course! Get creative and add your favorite toppings to make this salad your own. Try adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, roasted red pepper for extra flavor and nutrition.