Is there anything better than a salad that’s a meal on its own? This Italian chopped salad is just that—bright, colorful, and bursting with flavors that might remind you of a sunny afternoon in Tuscany. If you’re like me and have been dreaming of wandering through an Italian marketplace, sampling fresh produce and aromatic herbs, this salad might just be your ticket there—without the airfare!
Steps
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, shallot, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Take a small head of iceberg lettuce and slice it in half through the core. Remove the core and then cut the lettuce into 1/4-inch strips. Repeat the slicing process with the radicchio.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared strips of lettuce and radicchio with halved or quartered cherry tomatoes, rinsed and drained chickpeas, pearl mozzarella, diced provolone cheese, and sliced pepperoncini.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Gently toss everything together to ensure the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss it once more to incorporate the seasoning, then garnish with additional oregano before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 small head of iceberg lettuce
- 1 head of radicchio
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 4 ounces of fresh pearl mozzarella, drained
- 4 ounces of provolone cheese, diced
- 5 pepperoncini, stemmed and sliced
- 1 teaspoon of oregano, for garnish
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Red wine vinegar
- Shallot
- Garlic
- Oregano
- Salt and pepper
FAQ
- Can I make this chopped salad vegetarian?
- Yes, you can easily make this salad vegetarian by omitting the Genoa salami and seasoning with extra salt. Alternatively, you could substitute the salami with chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for added flavor.
- What type of lettuce is best for chopped salad?
- The recipe suggests using iceberg lettuce and radicchio, as both can be sliced into uniform strips that mix well together. However, you can also try using romaine lettuce if you prefer.
- How can I add more crunch to this salad?
- To add extra crunch to your salad, consider roasting the chickpeas before adding them. This will give them a crispy texture that complements the fresh vegetables.
- What is a good dressing for this Italian chopped salad?
- A lemon vinaigrette is recommended for this salad. It’s made with lemon juice, red wine vinegar, shallot, garlic, and dried oregano, offering a bright and tangy flavor that enhances the salad’s ingredients.
- What dishes pair well with this chopped salad?
- This salad is versatile and can be served as a main dish or side. It pairs well with crusty bread, homemade focaccia, or avocado toast for a healthy lunch. It also complements meals like pizza, pasta, veggie burgers, and other classic cookout dishes.
Tips
- For an added crunch, consider roasting the chickpeas before adding them to the salad. This will enhance the texture and flavor, making each bite even more delightful.
- If you’re looking to add a vegetarian twist in place of the Genoa salami, try incorporating chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers. These alternatives will contribute a rich, savory depth to the salad.
- When preparing the lettuce and radicchio, aim to slice them into thin, uniform strips. This will help the salad ingredients mix together seamlessly, ensuring that each bite is well-balanced and flavorful.
- Serve the salad with a slice of crusty bread or homemade focaccia for a complete meal. This combination makes for a light yet satisfying lunch, perfect for warm weather dining.
Equipment
- Salad Spinner – Useful for washing and drying the lettuce and radicchio.
- Chef’s Knife – Essential for chopping vegetables and cheese.
- Cutting Board – Necessary for preparing the ingredients.
- Mixing Bowls – A large bowl for tossing the salad and a small bowl for mixing the dressing.
- Whisk – Needed for mixing the salad dressing.
