Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor.
- Perfect balance of savory, tangy, and crisp textures.
- Customizable with your favorite Italian ingredients.
- Great for meal prep and gatherings.
- Works as a side dish or complete meal.
- Simple homemade dressing ties everything together.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the salad
4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1/2 cup pepperoncini, sliced
1 cup cooked chicken breast, chopped
1/2 cup salami, chopped
1/2 cup provolone cheese, diced
For the dressing
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and pepperoncini.
- Add the chopped chicken, salami, and diced provolone cheese.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and serve immediately for maximum freshness.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 main servings or 6 side servings
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Omit the meats for a vegetarian version and add chickpeas instead.
- Use mozzarella pearls instead of provolone.
- Add roasted red peppers for extra sweetness.
- Include croutons for added crunch.
- Swap romaine for iceberg or mixed greens.
- Add fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.
Storage/Reheating
Store undressed salad components in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to prevent sogginess.
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not require reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prepare all ingredients in advance but store the dressing separately until ready to serve.
What protein can I substitute for chicken?
Grilled shrimp, turkey, or even canned tuna work well.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you avoid adding croutons or ensure they are gluten-free.
Can I use store-bought dressing?
Yes, a good-quality Italian dressing can be substituted for homemade.
What type of olives are best?
Black olives are classic, but Kalamata olives add a richer flavor.
How do I keep lettuce crisp?
Wash and dry it thoroughly, and store it wrapped in paper towels inside an airtight container.
Can I add pasta to this salad?
Yes, cooked and cooled pasta turns it into a hearty pasta salad.
Is this suitable for meal prep?
Yes, just keep dressing separate until ready to eat.
What cheese works best?
Provolone is traditional, but mozzarella, Parmesan, or Asiago are excellent alternatives.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Conclusion
Italian Chopped Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings together crisp vegetables, savory meats, creamy cheese, and a tangy dressing in every bite. Whether served as a satisfying main course or a refreshing side, this salad is a reliable favorite that’s easy to customize and always delicious.
PrintItalian Chopped Salad
Italian Chopped Salad is a crisp and colorful mix of fresh vegetables, savory meats, creamy cheese, and a zesty homemade dressing. Packed with bold Mediterranean flavors and satisfying textures, it works beautifully as a main dish or vibrant side.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 main servings or 6 side servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- For the salad:
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini, sliced
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, chopped
- 1/2 cup salami, chopped
- 1/2 cup provolone cheese, diced
- For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and pepperoncini.
- Add chopped chicken, salami, and diced provolone cheese.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and serve immediately.
Notes
- Store dressing separately if preparing ahead to keep lettuce crisp.
- Substitute chickpeas for meats to make it vegetarian.
- Mozzarella pearls or shaved Parmesan can replace provolone.
- Add croutons just before serving for extra crunch.
- Best enjoyed fresh within the same day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 main serving (based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
