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Italian Chopped Salad with Pizza Croutons

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A bold and satisfying Italian chopped salad loaded with crisp vegetables, savory meats, and creamy cheeses, topped with warm, cheesy pizza-inspired croutons for extra crunch and flavor.

Ingredients

  • For the Salad:
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 2 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup chopped cucumber
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/2 cup diced salami
  • 1/2 cup diced pepperoni
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • For the Pizza Croutons:
  • 2 cups cubed Italian bread
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • For the Dressing:
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Toss cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Spread on a baking sheet.
  3. Bake 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Sprinkle with mozzarella and bake an additional 2–3 minutes until melted. Cool slightly.
  4. In a large bowl, combine romaine, iceberg, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, salami, pepperoni, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  6. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss to combine.
  7. Top with warm pizza croutons just before serving.

Notes

  • Store salad, dressing, and croutons separately for best texture.
  • Reheat croutons briefly in the oven to restore crispness.
  • Substitute grilled chicken for a lighter option.
  • Use gluten-free bread to make the recipe gluten-free.
  • Add banana peppers or artichokes for extra tang.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/italian-chopped-salad-with-pizza-croutons/