ITALIAN CHOPPED SALAD
This vibrant Italian Chopped Salad is a refreshing, hearty dish packed with fresh vegetables, meats, and a tangy dressing. It's perfect as a side or a light main course, making it ideal for lunch or dinner during hot weather.
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 cutting board
- 1 whisk or fork
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 salad tongs
Ingredients
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 piece red bell pepper, diced
- 1 piece yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cooked and diced salami
- 1 cup cubed mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, red and yellow bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and shredded romaine lettuce.
- Add the cooked salami, cubed mozzarella cheese, sliced olives, and chopped parsley to the bowl with the vegetables.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Notes
Feel free to customize the salad by adding other ingredients like artichokes, pepperoncini, or chickpeas.
This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for best freshness.
Serve with crusty Italian bread or atop grilled chicken for a heartier meal.