Description
A vibrant and hearty Italian chopped salad loaded with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, chickpeas, salami, mozzarella pearls, and a zesty homemade vinaigrette. It’s a colorful, flavor-packed salad that works as a light meal or a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
4 cups shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
3 oz salami, sliced
4 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
1 cup shredded radicchio
1/2 cup sliced red onion
1/3 cup sliced pepperoncini
1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Zesty Italian Vinaigrette:
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Italian seasoning (or oregano)
1/2 tsp dijon mustard
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp salt
Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, salami, mozzarella pearls, radicchio, red onion, pepperoncini, and Parmesan cheese.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, dijon mustard, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and serve immediately for the freshest flavor and crunch.
Notes
Swap salami for grilled chicken, turkey pepperoni, or tuna for a lighter option.
Make it vegetarian by omitting the salami and adding extra chickpeas or roasted vegetables.
Store dressing separately if making ahead to keep lettuce crisp.
Add avocado, roasted red peppers, or croutons for extra texture and flavor.
Turn it into a pasta salad by mixing in cooked rotini or penne.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
