This colorful, flavor-packed Italian Chopped Salad recipe will win over everyone around the table! Hearty meats, crisp vegetables, plenty of cheese and a zesty homemade Italian dressing combine to form one highly addictive salad! It's quick and simple to make, and can easily be customized to include your favorite ingredients!Recipe can be scaled up or down by using the slider if you hover your mouse over the number of Servings.
Make the dressing: Combine all the dressing ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid or a high-powered blender. Shake vigorously or process until fully combined. Taste and adjust for seasoning. Set aside or store in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to develop and merry. NOTE: Dressing will keep in an airtight container the refrigerator for up to a week.
Make the salad: In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, salami, both cheeses, peppers, cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes and kalamata olives. Add any optional ingredients and gently toss to combine.
Add dressing: Shake the dressing vigorously. Pour dressing, to taste, over the salad. Use just enough dressing to coat the salad. Gently toss to combine. Taste and add more dressing, dried oregano or salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Add the fresh basil to the salad. Gently toss. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Lettuce: You can use any type of chopped lettuce you prefer. To keep things traditional, use a mix of romaine and radicchio or red leaf. I used 1 Romaine heart + 1 small Radicchio.
To chop lettuce: Roll up a handful of leaves and thinly slice. Proceed to chop thin slices of lettuce. (See post for full instructions)
Salami: For the most flavor, use a mix of (4-5 ounces each): Genoa Salami & Sopressata (or other hard) Salami! Pepperoni or Prosciutto also work great too!
Raw onions: If you do not like the taste of raw onions, you can mellow them in water. Place the sliced onions in a bowl and cover with ice water. Set aside for 10-15 minutes. Drain the onions and pat them thoroughly dry before proceeding with recipe.
To make in advance: The dressed salad does not keep well. If you would like to make the salad in advance, make the dressing and combine the salad ingredients. Store each separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. (See post for full instructions.)
Make it vegan and dairy free: Replace the salami with umami-rich sun-dried tomatoes. Substitute parmesan with parmesan substitute.
Nutritional information is an approximation based upon 8 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.