Our favorite Italian meats and a large variety of fresh ripe produce make this Epic Italian Chopped Salad a family favorite lunchtime treat. Salads are so versatile, so add in your favorite ingredients or leave out the one(s) you don't prefer. Serve it up with your favorite pasta dish or a side of warm, comforting Italian soup. Delicioso!
Ingredients
- Salami
- Provolone
- Lettuce - I love romaine lettuce for this recipe
- Tomato
- Cucumber
- Olives
- Red onion
- Salad peppers
- Radish
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
Dressing
- Italian dressing
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
Step One: Prepare the Dressing
There are several ways to prepare homemade salad dressings:
1). Use a bowl to whisk or stir the ingredients together.
2). Put all of your ingredients in a mason jar with a lid, then give it a little shake.
3). Use a stick blender to blend the salad dressing ingredients together. This is helpful if the dressing includes a garlic clove or anchovies.
4). Use an oil and vinegar dispenser with your favorite extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar to drizzle on salads as needed.
Homemade salad dressings are easy to make if you keep some essential ingredients on hand. See our Top 10 Favorite Salad Dressing Recipes for the dressings we love the most.
Step Two: Prepare Homemade Croutons (optional)
Preparing homemade croutons is as easy as cutting up a loaf of french bread, mixing in some melted butter, topping it all with your favorite herbs and spices, then baking for 10-15 minutes in the oven. They really add such amazing flavor!
Step Three: Prepare Ingredients
Cut or tear up lettuce into small portions. Wash all lettuce and produce thoroughly, then set it aside to drain in a colander. While lettuce is draining, dice all remaining ingredients into small salad-sized portions.
Step Four: Assemble and Serve
Assemble the salad in layers with lettuce on the bottom, followed by fresh diced vegetables, meats, cheeses, olives, peppers, and croutons.
Add a small amount of dressing and give it a good toss. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary. Serve immediately.
Equipment
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Storage
Store salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator without dressing for 2-3 days. If the salad is moist from being washed, place a paper towel on top of it to draw out the moisture.
Top Tips
Buy pre-washed and ready-to-eat lettuce to save time.
More Recipes
Buy pre-washed and ready-to-eat lettuce to save time.
Have leftover ingredients?
- Leftover salami would be great on a sandwich or served with crackers and cheese.
Need something to pair this with?
Try our favorite Italian Recipes:
- Sunday Gravy with Short Ribs
- Spaghetti Nero di Seppia (Black Pasta) with Clams
More Italian recipes you will love:
FAQ
It may be an old wives tale that you shouldn't cut lettuce. Supposedly, the lettuce will brown a little quicker around the edges, but many people disagree that this is true.
Refrigerating tomatoes will extend their shelf life, but could also decrease their flavor or change their texture. If you don't want your tomatoes to go bad, wait until they are fully ripe, refrigerate for a few days, then bring them back to room temperature before slicing.
If you prefer a milder taste, then yes. Soaking red onions in ice water for 20-30 minutes will mellow out their flavor.
📖 Recipe
Epic Italian Chopped Salad (with Homemade Italian Dressing)
Ingredients
- 12 pieces Salami sliced
- ½ head Romaine lettuce
- 1 cup Diced tomato
- ⅓ qty Diced cucumber
- 6 qty Black olives
- 1 slice Red onion
- 2 qty Pepperoncini peppers
- 1 qty Radish
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoon Shaved parmesan
- 10 qty Croutons
- Salt (or more to taste)
- Pepper (or more to taste)
Instructions
Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Set aside.
Salad
- Wash lettuce and set it aside to drain in a colander.
- Wash remaining produce and cut into small salad sized portions.
- Cut meats and cheeses into small salad sized portions.
- Assemble salad with all ingredients.
- Drizzle prepared dressing on top.
- Gently toss the salad and serve immediately.
Food Safety
- 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.
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