Italian Chopped Salad

Here’s a crisp, colorful, and flavor-packed Italian Chopped Salad — loaded with crunchy veggies, cured meats, cheeses, and tossed in a zesty homemade Italian dressing. Perfect as a side or main dish! 🇮🇹🥗

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🥗 Italian Chopped Salad

🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the salad:

• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped

• 1 cup radicchio or iceberg (optional, for color and crunch)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ½ cup cucumber, chopped

• ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced

• ½ cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced (optional for tang)

• ½ cup black olives or kalamata olives, pitted & halved

• ½ cup mozzarella pearls or cubed provolone

• ¼ cup Parmesan, shaved or grated

• ½ cup salami or prosciutto, sliced or chopped

• Optional: chickpeas or artichoke hearts for extra substance

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🫙 Italian Dressing:

• ⅓ cup olive oil

• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar (or white balsamic)

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• Optional: pinch of sugar or honey (to balance acidity)

Whisk together or shake in a jar until well blended.

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🥣 Instructions

1. Prep all ingredients and place them in a large mixing bowl.

2. Toss salad with dressing just before serving, or serve dressing on the side.

3. Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, or cracked pepper if desired.

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🧡 Variations

• Add grilled chicken, tuna, or white beans for a protein-packed meal.

• Use gluten-free croutons or omit for low-carb.

• Sub in banana peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for different flavor pops.

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🍽️ Great with:

• Pasta dishes (like baked ziti or lasagna)

• Pizza night

• Grilled meats or fish

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Would you like a vegan version, or to make it into a pasta salad?