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Italian Chopped Salad – Fresh, Easy, and Loaded with Flavor

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Italian Chopped Salad is a fresh and satisfying salad loaded with crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, savory salami, provolone cheese, olives, pepperoncini, and a zesty homemade Italian vinaigrette. Perfect as a hearty lunch, light dinner, or crowd-pleasing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 large cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 medium red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
  • 4 ounces salami, chopped
  • 4 ounces turkey or ham, chopped
  • 4 ounces provolone cheese, cubed
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Wash and thoroughly dry the romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and pepperoncini.
  2. Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl.
  3. Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, and slice the pepperoncini peppers.
  4. Chop the salami and turkey or ham into small pieces.
  5. Cube the provolone cheese and slice the olives.
  6. Add all prepared ingredients to the bowl with the lettuce.
  7. In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
  8. Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving.
  9. Toss thoroughly to evenly coat all ingredients.
  10. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

  • For the freshest texture, dress the salad right before serving.
  • Store the dressing separately if making ahead.
  • Use freshly grated or cubed provolone for the best flavor.
  • Add grilled chicken for extra protein.
  • Chickpeas or white beans can replace meat for a vegetarian version.
  • Romaine lettuce provides the best crunch, but iceberg or mixed greens can also be used.
  • Dry vegetables thoroughly to prevent a watery salad.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
  • Add cooked pasta to turn the salad into a hearty pasta salad.
  • Fresh herbs like basil or parsley make a great garnish.

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