What Makes This Italian Chopped Salad Special?
This Italian Chopped Salad is a vibrant and versatile dish that combines a medley of fresh vegetables, creamy mozzarella, savory salami, and zesty chickpeas, all brought together by a tangy red wine vinaigrette. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light main course and fits effortlessly into casual lunches or elegant dinners.

Why You’ll Love It:
- Bursting with fresh, crunchy textures and bold, savory flavors.
- Quick and easy to make in just 25 minutes.
- Easily customizable for vegetarian, dairy-free, or gluten-free diets.
- A perfect balance of tangy, salty, and sweet ingredients.
Preparation Phase & Tools Needed
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large Salad Bowl: Ensures all ingredients are evenly mixed without spilling.
- Medium Bowl: For whisking the dressing to the perfect consistency.
- Chef’s Knife: Cuts ingredients into clean, uniform pieces.
- Cutting Board: Protects surfaces and provides enough space for chopping.
- Salad Tongs: Helps toss the salad gently without bruising ingredients.
Pro Tip: Having the right tools ensures your salad is both visually appealing and properly combined for the best flavor distribution.
Ingredients List
For the Salad:
- 1 head romaine lettuce, roughly chopped
- 1 cup chopped radicchio lettuce (adds a slightly bitter, authentic Italian flavor)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into ¼-inch cubes (omit for dairy-free)
- 4 ounces dry Italian salami, cut into matchsticks (skip for a vegetarian option)
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained (adds protein and texture)
- 1 (2.25-ounce) can sliced black olives, rinsed and drained
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced (adds sweetness and color)
- ½ English cucumber, diced (for a refreshing crunch)
- 6 pepperoncini, sliced (adds tangy, mild heat)
- 1 cup halved grape tomatoes (sweet and juicy addition)
- ⅓ cup chopped red onion (sharp, savory flavor)
- ½ cup shaved Parmesan (optional for extra richness)
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil (use high-quality for the best taste)
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar (adds the perfect tangy base)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (for creaminess and a subtle kick)
- 1 clove garlic, grated (bold and aromatic)
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano (classic Italian seasoning)
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for mild heat)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Assemble the Salad
- Place the chopped romaine and radicchio in a large salad bowl to create the base.
- Layer the remaining ingredients—mozzarella, salami, chickpeas, olives, bell pepper, cucumber, pepperoncini, tomatoes, and red onion—on top of the lettuce.
2. Make the Dressing
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Whisk until emulsified, ensuring the dressing has a smooth and balanced consistency.
3. Toss the Salad
- Pour the dressing evenly over the salad.
- Use salad tongs to gently toss everything together, ensuring the dressing coats every ingredient.
- Sprinkle the shaved Parmesan on top as a finishing touch before serving.
Preparation Tips
- For Crisp Lettuce: Wash and dry the romaine and radicchio thoroughly before chopping. A salad spinner works wonders for removing excess water.
- For a Creamier Dressing: Blend the dressing ingredients in a food processor for a thicker, more cohesive consistency.
- Customize It: Add roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or croutons to make the salad your own.
- Chill for Freshness: Keep the salad ingredients refrigerated until ready to toss for the crispiest, most refreshing experience.
Pro Tip: For a more vibrant salad, dice all ingredients to a similar size. This ensures that each bite contains a mix of textures and flavors.
Why These Ingredients Work
- The combination of romaine and radicchio creates the perfect balance of crunch and slightly bitter flavor.
- The creamy mozzarella and savory salami add richness and depth.
- Chickpeas provide protein and texture, making the salad satisfying as a light main course.
- Pepperoncini and red wine vinegar add acidity to brighten the overall flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian Chopped Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Whether you’re enjoying it as a standalone meal or alongside other favorites, here are some serving ideas to inspire you:
How to Serve the Salad
- Serve immediately after tossing to preserve the crispness of the vegetables and freshness of the dressing.
- For a more elegant presentation, plate the salad individually rather than serving it family-style.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top for an extra burst of flavor.
Side Dish Recommendations
Pair your Italian Chopped Salad with these complementary dishes to create a complete meal:
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery breadsticks infused with garlic pair perfectly with the tangy salad dressing.
- Caprese Skewers: Skewers of fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil with a drizzle of balsamic glaze add a cohesive Italian touch.
- Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: A warm, rich soup balances the cool, crisp salad.
- Herb-Roasted Potatoes: These golden and savory potatoes add a comforting element to the meal.
- Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad: Light and zesty, this side dish mirrors the salad’s vibrant flavors.
- Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: Protein-packed options that make the salad a heartier main course.
- Eggplant Parmesan: A classic Italian favorite with bold, cheesy flavors that contrast beautifully with the salad.
- Marinated Artichokes or Antipasto Platter: These bring bold Mediterranean flavors to the table and pair wonderfully with the salad’s tangy vinaigrette.

Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe
1. Overdressing the Salad
Mistake: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy and overpower the fresh ingredients.
Solution: Start with half the dressing and toss the salad. Add more as needed to coat the ingredients lightly.
2. Soggy Lettuce
Mistake: Not drying the lettuce properly after washing can lead to a watery salad.
Solution: Use a salad spinner to thoroughly dry the greens before assembling.
3. Cutting Ingredients Unevenly
Mistake: Large, uneven pieces can make the salad difficult to eat and result in an inconsistent flavor experience.
Solution: Dice all ingredients to a similar size for a balanced texture and uniform bites.
4. Pre-Tossing Too Early
Mistake: Tossing the salad too far in advance causes the vegetables to lose their crispness.
Solution: Assemble the ingredients but wait to toss with the dressing until just before serving.
5. Skipping the Seasoning
Mistake: Forgetting to season the dressing can result in a bland salad.
Solution: Taste the dressing as you prepare it and adjust the salt, pepper, or vinegar to your preference.
6. Using Low-Quality Ingredients
Mistake: Choosing low-quality olive oil or vinegar can impact the overall taste of the salad.
Solution: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar for a dressing that shines.
Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
- Customize to Taste: Add roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or croutons to enhance the salad’s flavor and texture.
- Make It Vegetarian-Friendly: Simply omit the salami without compromising the flavor. Add extra chickpeas or mozzarella for protein.
- Amp Up the Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tuna to make the salad a complete, protein-packed meal.
- Keep It Fresh: Chill all the ingredients before assembling for the most refreshing flavor.
Why Side Dishes and Pairings Work
- Rich and Cheesy Sides: Dishes like eggplant Parmesan or garlic breadsticks balance the salad’s tangy and crisp flavors.
- Zesty, Light Additions: Lemon orzo salad or marinated artichokes complement the Italian-style dressing perfectly.
- Protein Pairings: Grilled chicken or shrimp turn the salad into a filling, well-rounded entrée.

Recipe Tips for Success
- Chill the Ingredients: Keep all ingredients refrigerated before preparing the salad to ensure maximum crispness and freshness.
- Use Fresh Mozzarella: Opt for high-quality mozzarella for its creamy texture and authentic flavor.
- Customize Add-Ins: Roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes can elevate the salad’s depth of flavor.
- Mix Textures: Add crunch with croutons, roasted chickpeas, or even candied nuts for a creative twist.
- Brighten the Flavor: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can enhance the dressing’s tanginess.
- Blend the Dressing: For an ultra-smooth vinaigrette, use a blender or food processor to emulsify the ingredients.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage Tips
- Keep Ingredients Separate: Store salad components (greens, toppings, and dressing) in separate airtight containers. This prevents the lettuce from wilting.
- Shelf Life:
- Greens and toppings: Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Dressing: Lasts up to 5 days when kept in a sealed jar in the refrigerator.
- Chickpeas and Mozzarella: To avoid sogginess, keep these ingredients separate and add them to the salad just before serving.
Reheating Information
- Reheating isn’t necessary for this salad, but if refrigerated, allow the components to come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture before tossing.

FAQs: Italian Chopped Salad
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components in advance:
- Chop and refrigerate the vegetables.
- Store the dressing in a jar.
- Combine the ingredients and toss with the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
2. How do I make this salad vegetarian?
Simply omit the salami. To maintain protein and a savory flavor, you can increase the chickpeas or add extra mozzarella.
3. Can I substitute mozzarella?
Yes! Feta cheese, burrata, or even cubes of provolone work wonderfully as alternatives to mozzarella.
4. Is this salad gluten-free?
The salad itself is naturally gluten-free. However, if you add croutons or other toppings, ensure they are gluten-free.
5. Can I use store-bought dressing?
Absolutely! A high-quality Italian dressing or red wine vinaigrette works well. However, making the dressing at home gives it a fresher, more personalized taste.
6. How do I make it dairy-free?
Skip the mozzarella and Parmesan for a dairy-free version. You can replace the creaminess with avocado slices or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
7. Can I add more protein?
Yes, this salad is highly versatile. Consider these options for added protein:
- Grilled chicken breast.
- Shrimp or salmon.
- Hard-boiled eggs.
- Canned tuna or shredded rotisserie chicken.
8. What other greens can I use?
If you don’t have romaine or radicchio, substitute with mixed greens, kale, arugula, or spinach.
Conclusion
This Italian Chopped Salad is a vibrant, satisfying dish that’s packed with fresh, bold flavors and crisp textures. Its versatility allows you to serve it as a colorful side dish or a light, nutritious main course. With its tangy red wine vinaigrette, customizable ingredients, and easy preparation, this salad will quickly become a favorite at your table.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a healthy meal, this recipe checks all the boxes. Try it today and experience the fresh, zesty flavors of Italy in every bite!
Italian Chopped Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 head romaine lettuce roughly chopped
- 1 cup chopped radicchio lettuce
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cut into ¼-inch cubes
- 4 ounces dry Italian salami cut into matchsticks
- 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 2.25-ounce can sliced black olives, rinsed and drained
- 1 yellow bell pepper diced
- ½ English cucumber diced
- 6 pepperoncini sliced
- 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
- ⅓ cup chopped red onion
- ½ cup shaved Parmesan
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic grated
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Assemble the Salad
- Place the chopped romaine and radicchio in a large salad bowl.
- Layer the mozzarella, salami, chickpeas, black olives, yellow bell pepper, cucumber, sliced pepperoncini, grape tomatoes, and red onion on top of the lettuce.
Make the Dressing
- In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Season the dressing with salt and black pepper to taste.
Toss the Salad
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything to combine.
- Sprinkle the shaved Parmesan over the top before serving.
Notes
Add-Ins: Customize with roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or croutons.
Make-Ahead: Prep ingredients and dressing in advance, but toss them together just before serving for the freshest flavor.
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