EASY Italian Chopped Salad Recipe

Name: EASY Italian Chopped Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 ounces salami (thinly sliced); 8 ounces romaine lettuce; 1 cup diced tomato; 1/3 cucumber (diced); 6 black olives; 1-2 ounces red onion; 2 pepperoncini peppers (sliced); 1 radish (sliced); 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 10 croutons; shaved parmesan (to taste); salt and pepper (to taste); 1/4 cup Italian dressing

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Our favorite Italian meats and a large variety of fresh ripe produce make this Easy Italian Chopped Salad Recipe a family favorite lunchtime treat. Salads are so versatile, so add in your favorite ingredients or leave out the ones you don't prefer. Serve it up with your favorite pasta dish or a side of warm, comforting Italian soup. Delicioso!

Italian chopped Salad recipe close up in large white bowl

Italian chopped salad is a flavorful dish featuring a mix of fresh ingredients chopped into bite-sized pieces. Originating from Italy, this salad typically includes crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, tangy olives, savory salami, and nutty cheese, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. This recipe can be enjoyed as a side or as a satisfying main course.

Why we love this recipe:

It's quick: Whip up this salad in no time for a satisfying meal or side dish.
It's healthy: Packed with nutritious ingredients, this salad is a wholesome choice for any meal.
It's versatile: Customize your salad with your favorite ingredients and dressings for endless flavor possibilities.
It's crowd-pleasing: Whether you're serving it for a family dinner or a party, everyone will love this flavorful salad.

If you like this salad recipe, you may also love our Italian Salad Meal Prep or Burrata Caprese.

What Ingredients Will You Need?

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.
Salt and Pepper: Salt and fresh ground black pepper to bring out all the delicious flavors.

Dressing

Italian salad dressing or red wine vinaigrette

Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.

What Are Some Good Substitutions?

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.

How Can You Change This Recipe Up?

Add-ins: Add toasted pine nuts, sliced almonds, or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy bite and extra nutrition.
Grains: For a heartier salad, add cooked quinoa or couscous.
Style: Turn the main ingredients into a pasta salad by adding penne or tortellini.

Instructions

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.

What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?

_{This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.}

How Should You Store This?

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.

What Are Some Expert Tips?

Buy pre-washed and ready-to-eat lettuce to save time.

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.

For added flavor, marinate the salad ingredients in the dressing for 15 minutes before serving.

For better flavor, whisk together a delicious homemade red wine vinaigrette dressing with red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, dijon mustard, scallion, and garlic. Add homemade croutons to the top. *See How to Make Homemade Croutons Below

How to Make Homemade Croutons

Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Stale Bread: Start with 3-4 cups of day-old bread, such as baguette or ciabatta. Cut it into evenly sized cubes.
Flavor: In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter.
Seasoning: Season the bread cubes generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and your choice of dried herbs, such as Italian seasoning, thyme, or rosemary. Toss well to ensure all the bread cubes are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
Baking: Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
Crisping: Bake the croutons in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy, stirring halfway through.
Cooling: Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet.
Storage: Transfer the croutons to an airtight container or resealable bag for storage.

More Recipes You'll Love ♥️

Have Leftover Ingredients?

Leftover salami is a great addition to this La Scala Chopped Salad.
Add excess parmesan to this Crispy Air Fryer Gnocchi.

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Need Something To Pair This With?

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Frequently Asked Questions

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.

📖 Recipe

To sum it up, this Italian Chopped Salad is a winner for any mealtime. Whenever I make it, I'm taken back to Sunday dinners with my Italian friends. With the colorful veggies, tasty toppings, and endless ways to make it your own, it's like a party in a bowl! Give it a try today and enjoy every crunchy, flavorful bite.

Important Food Safety Tips

Wash hands and create a clean work area.
Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.

See more guidelines at USDA.gov