Italian Chopped Salad is a vibrant, hearty dish that captures the essence of an Italian sub in salad form. It features a crisp romaine heart base, generously topped with an assortment of Italian meats, a variety of fresh and cured vegetables, and delicate pearls of fresh mozzarella. This flavorful and satisfying Italian Chopped Salad brings together the best of classic Italian ingredients for a filling, delicious meal.

Italian Chopped Salad

Serves 4

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Ingredients:
15 ounces canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup artichoke hearts, quartered
1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
1 cup English cucumber, small diced
1 cup mozzarella pearls
1 cup Italian meats, julienned*
3/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1/2 cup mild banana peppers, sliced
1/3 cup red onion, small diced
1/4 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
3 hearts of romaine, sliced into ribbons
1/4 cup basil leaves, julienned
Zesty Italian Dressing
Optional: parmesan reggiano

Instructions:

1. Add chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, English cucumber, artichoke hearts, mozzarella pearls, kalamata olives, mild banana peppers, red onion, and roasted red peppers to a salad bowl.

2. Add half of the salad dressing and toss ingredients in the bowl to thoroughly coat with salad dressing.

3. Add romaine hearts and toss to combine.

4. Top with basil and optional parmesan reggiano.

5. Portion and serve.

Pro tip:

*There is a wide variety of Italian meats in your local grocery. From coppa to mortadella the options can be overwhelming. This Guide to Italy’s Finest Cured Meats will help you navigate your way through the options available to you. My go-to cured Italian meats for this Italian Chopped Salad are salami and speck.