Name: Italian Chopped Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups romaine lettuce; ½ cup English cucumber; ½ cup cherry tomato; red onion; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; Kosher salt and black pepper; ½ red pepper; 1 oz Genoa salami; 6 tbsp mozzarella

Indulge in a flavorful Italian chopped salad that effortlessly combines crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and savory salami, all topped with creamy mozzarella and a zesty red wine vinegar dressing.

Photos of Italian Chopped Salad Recipe

Some ingredients in this recipe may not be commonly found in your pantry, such as genoa salami and mozzarella. These can be easily found in the deli section of your supermarket. Also, ensure you pick up red wine vinegar for the dressing if you don't already have it at home.

Ingredients For Italian Chopped Salad Recipe

Romaine lettuce: Crisp and refreshing lettuce that forms the base of the salad.

English cucumber: Provides a cool, crunchy texture.

Cherry tomato: Adds a burst of sweetness and acidity.

Red onion: Offers a sharp, tangy flavor.

Olive oil: Used for the dressing, adds richness.

Red wine vinegar: Gives the dressing its tangy kick.

Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity.

Red pepper: Roasted for sweetness and depth.

Genoa salami: Brings a savory, meaty element.

Mozzarella: Creamy cheese that complements the other ingredients.

One reader, Jude Jose says:

This Italian chopped salad is a delightful mix of fresh veggies and savory salami. The olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing ties everything together perfectly. It's a quick, delicious, and healthy option for any meal. Highly recommend!

Jude Jose

Techniques Required for Making Italian Chopped Salad

How to roast red pepper: Roast the red pepper by placing it under a broiler or directly on a gas flame until the skin is charred. Then, place it in a bowl covered with plastic wrap for a few minutes to steam. Peel off the charred skin, remove the seeds, and slice as needed. How to slice salami: Slice the genoa salami into thin, bite-sized pieces for easy incorporation into the salad. How to chop vegetables: Chop the romaine lettuce, english cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion into bite-sized pieces for uniformity in the salad.

How To Make Italian Chopped Salad

The usual chopped salad gets some Italian inspiration in this recipe. It has fresh lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes and is made richer with salami and cheese.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

4cupsromaine lettuce,chopped
½cupEnglish cucumber,peeled, cubed
½cupcherry tomato,halved
red onion,sliced
2tbspolive oil
1tbspred wine vinegar
Kosher salt and black pepper
½red pepper,roasted, chopped
1ozgenoa salami,sliced
6tbspmozzarella,shredded part-skim

Instructions

Toss the lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion with oil and vinegar, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Top with roasted red pepper, salami and mozzarella.

Nutrition

Calories: 276.19kcal
Fat: 23.19g
Saturated Fat: 6.32g
Trans Fat: 0.07g
Monounsaturated Fat: 13.35g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.50g
Carbohydrates: 8.59g
Fiber: 3.44g
Sugar: 4.21g
Protein: 9.73g
Cholesterol: 31.90mg
Sodium: 582.24mg
Calcium: 155.11mg
Potassium: 517.31mg
Iron: 1.70mg
Vitamin A: 515.57µg
Vitamin C: 48.51mg

Essential Technique Tip for Italian Chopped Salad Recipe

When preparing the red onion, soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This will help to mellow out the sharpness and make the flavor more pleasant and balanced in your Italian chopped salad.

Time-Saving Tips for Italian Chopped Salad Recipe

Prep ingredients ahead: Chop the romaine lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion in advance and store them in airtight containers.

Use pre-sliced items: Purchase pre-sliced genoa salami and mozzarella to save chopping time.

Batch dressing: Mix the olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing in a jar and store it in the fridge for quick use.

Roast peppers in bulk: Roast a batch of red peppers and store them in the fridge for multiple uses.

Organize your workspace: Keep all ingredients and tools within reach to streamline the assembly process.

Substitute Ingredients For Italian Chopped Salad Recipe

romaine lettuce - Substitute with iceberg lettuce: Iceberg lettuce provides a similar crunch and mild flavor, making it a good alternative.
english cucumber - Substitute with regular cucumber: Regular cucumbers can be used as they have a similar texture and taste.
cherry tomato - Substitute with grape tomato: Grape tomatoes are slightly smaller but offer a similar sweetness and juiciness.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can be used if you prefer a less pungent taste.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a neutral flavor.
red wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a similar acidity and tanginess.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as it has a similar texture and flavor.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.
red pepper - Substitute with yellow pepper: Yellow peppers have a similar sweetness and crunch.
genoa salami - Substitute with turkey pepperoni: Turkey pepperoni offers a similar savory flavor with less fat.
mozzarella - Substitute with provolone: Provolone has a similar mild flavor and melts well, making it a good alternative.

How to Beautifully Present Italian Chopped Salad

Use a chilled plate: Ensure the plate is chilled to keep the romaine lettuce and other fresh ingredients crisp and refreshing.
Layer the ingredients: Start with a base of romaine lettuce, then add the english cucumber and cherry tomato. This creates a visually appealing foundation.
Thinly slice the red onion: Use a mandoline to achieve paper-thin slices of red onion, adding a delicate crunch without overpowering the dish.
Drizzle the dressing evenly: Combine olive oil and red wine vinegar, then drizzle it evenly over the salad to ensure every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Season with precision: Lightly sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Roast the red pepper: Roast the red pepper until the skin is charred, then peel and slice it into thin strips. This adds a smoky depth to the salad.
Artfully arrange the salami: Roll or fold the genoa salami into small rosettes or fans, placing them strategically around the salad for a touch of elegance.
Use high-quality mozzarella: Opt for fresh mozzarella balls, tearing them into bite-sized pieces and scattering them across the salad for a creamy texture.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley to brighten the dish and add a pop of color.
Serve immediately: Present the salad promptly to maintain the crispness of the lettuce and the freshness of the other ingredients.

Essential Tools for Making Italian Chopped Salad

Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables and slicing salami.
Chef's knife: Essential for chopping lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and red pepper.
Salad spinner: Useful for washing and drying the romaine lettuce to ensure it's crisp.
Mixing bowl: Large enough to toss all the salad ingredients together.
Measuring cups: For accurately measuring the vegetables and cheese.
Measuring spoons: For measuring the olive oil and red wine vinegar.
Tongs: Handy for tossing the salad ingredients together evenly.
Grater: If using a block of mozzarella, this will help you grate it into smaller pieces.
Serving bowl: To present the finished salad attractively.
Small bowl: For mixing the olive oil and red wine vinegar before adding to the salad.
Whisk: Helps to combine the olive oil and red wine vinegar into a smooth dressing.
Spatula: Useful for scraping out every bit of dressing from the small bowl.

How To Store and Freeze Italian Chopped Salad

To store the italian chopped salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to prevent the lettuce from wilting.
If you want to prepare the salad ahead of time, chop all the ingredients except the lettuce and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Combine the ingredients and add the dressing just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
While it's not recommended to freeze the entire salad, you can freeze some of the individual components:
- Roasted red peppers can be frozen for up to 6 months. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, remove as much air as possible, and label with the date.
- Genoa salami can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Mozzarella can be frozen for up to 2 months. Grate or slice the cheese, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
When ready to use the frozen ingredients, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. For the best texture, use the thawed ingredients within a day or two.
Remember, cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce do not freeze well due to their high water content. It's best to use these ingredients fresh for optimal taste and texture in your italian chopped salad.

Random Fact About Italian Chopped Salad

A fun fact about this Italian chopped salad is that it combines a variety of fresh ingredients like romaine lettuce, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes with flavorful additions such as genoa salami and mozzarella. This mix not only provides a delightful taste but also offers a balance of nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying dish.

Is Making Italian Chopped Salad at Home Economical?

This Italian chopped salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like romaine lettuce, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions are affordable and widely available. The genoa salami and mozzarella add a touch of indulgence but are used in small quantities, keeping costs low. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12 USD. Overall verdict: 8/10.

Is Italian Chopped Salad Healthy or Unhealthy?

The Italian chopped salad recipe is a relatively healthy option, offering a balance of nutrients from various ingredients. The romaine lettuce provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while the cucumber and cherry tomatoes add hydration and antioxidants. The red onion contributes to the salad's flavor profile and contains compounds that may support heart health. The olive oil used in the dressing is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol levels. However, the recipe also includes some less healthy components, such as genoa salami, which is high in sodium and saturated fat, and mozzarella cheese, which is a significant source of saturated fat and calories.

To make this salad even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of salami or replace it with a leaner protein source, such as grilled chicken or turkey breast
Use a low-fat mozzarella or opt for a smaller portion of regular mozzarella to decrease the overall saturated fat content
Add more colorful vegetables, such as grated carrots, sliced radishes, or chopped bell peppers, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
Incorporate a variety of leafy greens, like spinach or arugula, to boost the salad's nutritional value
Experiment with healthier dressing options, such as a lemon-based vinaigrette or a yogurt-based dressing, to reduce the overall calorie and fat content

Editor's Thoughts on Italian Chopped Salad Recipe

This Italian chopped salad recipe is a delightful blend of fresh and savory elements. The crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers provide a refreshing base. The addition of red onion adds a sharp bite, balanced by the richness of olive oil and red wine vinegar. The roasted red pepper, genoa salami, and mozzarella elevate the dish with their robust flavors and textures. It's a well-rounded, vibrant salad that can serve as a satisfying main or a complementary side. Simple yet sophisticated, it captures the essence of Italian cuisine beautifully.

Enhance Your Italian Chopped Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks: Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks: Imagine the aroma of freshly baked breadsticks wafting through your kitchen, each one brushed with a buttery garlic glaze and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. These delightful sticks of joy are perfect for dipping into a tangy marinara sauce, complementing the crispness of your Italian chopped salad with a warm, savory touch.

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken: Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken: Picture succulent chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, fresh herbs, and a hint of garlic. Grilled to perfection, this dish adds a protein-packed punch to your meal, balancing the fresh vegetables in your salad with a burst of citrusy flavor.

Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffed Mushrooms: Envision plump mushrooms filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Baked until golden and bubbly, these bite-sized delights offer a rich, creamy contrast to the crisp, refreshing elements of your Italian chopped salad.

Caprese Skewers: Caprese Skewers: Think of vibrant cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fragrant basil leaves threaded onto skewers and drizzled with a balsamic reduction. These colorful, bite-sized treats bring a touch of elegance and a burst of flavor, perfectly complementing the medley of ingredients in your Italian chopped salad.

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Imagine fluffy potatoes whipped with roasted garlic, butter, and a splash of cream. These creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes provide a comforting, hearty side that pairs beautifully with the fresh, crisp textures of your Italian chopped salad.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Italian Chopped Salad

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: Dive into a vibrant blend of quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Tossed with a zesty lemon vinaigrette, this salad is a refreshing and nutritious option for any meal.

Greek Chicken Salad: Savor the flavors of grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, cucumbers, red onions, and kalamata olives. Topped with a tangy tzatziki dressing, this salad is a delightful fusion of textures and tastes.

Caprese Salad: Experience the classic Italian combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. Drizzled with balsamic glaze and extra virgin olive oil, this salad is a simple yet elegant appetizer.

Antipasto Platter: Create a stunning spread with an assortment of cured meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, and olives. Perfect for entertaining, this platter offers a variety of flavors and textures to please any palate.

Panzanella Salad: Relish the rustic charm of this Tuscan salad featuring day-old bread, heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and basil. Tossed with a red wine vinaigrette, it's a delightful way to use up stale bread.

Suggested Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with Italian Chopped Salad

Main Courses:

Chicken Parmesan: Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that combines crispy breaded chicken cutlets with a rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Serve it over a bed of spaghetti or alongside a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. The key to a perfect Chicken Parmesan is to use high-quality ingredients and to ensure the chicken is cooked to a golden brown before adding the sauce and cheese. This dish is sure to be a hit at any dinner table.

Lasagna Bolognese: Lasagna Bolognese is a hearty and comforting dish that layers rich Bolognese sauce with creamy béchamel and sheets of lasagna pasta. The Bolognese sauce, made with a mix of ground beef and pork, is slow-cooked to develop deep flavors. Each layer of pasta is generously coated with the sauce and béchamel, then topped with Parmesan cheese before baking to a bubbly, golden perfection. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd and can be made ahead of time for easy entertaining.

Desserts:

Tiramisu: Indulge in the classic Italian treat with layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, rich mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa powder. This dessert offers a delightful balance of coffee and cream, making it a perfect end to any meal. The velvety texture and bold flavors will leave your guests craving more.

Panna Cotta: Experience the silky smoothness of this Italian custard dessert, which is delicately flavored with vanilla and often accompanied by a fruit coulis. The creamy base contrasts beautifully with the tartness of the fruit, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. It's an elegant and refreshing choice for any occasion.

Why trust this Italian Chopped Salad Recipe:

This Italian chopped salad recipe is a perfect blend of fresh romaine lettuce, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. The addition of red onion, roasted red pepper, genoa salami, and mozzarella adds a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing ties everything together beautifully. This recipe is simple, quick, and uses high-quality ingredients, ensuring a delicious and satisfying salad every time.

Share your thoughts on the Italian Chopped Salad Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section and let us know if you have any tips or variations to make this dish even better!

FAQ:

How can I make this salad more filling?

You can add some protein like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even some hard-boiled eggs to make it more substantial.

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any lettuce you prefer, like iceberg, butter lettuce, or even a mix of greens.

How long will this salad keep in the fridge?

It's best to eat it fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat.

Can I substitute the red wine vinegar with another type of vinegar?

Yes, you can use balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even lemon juice if you prefer a different flavor.

Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?

Sure thing! Just skip the salami and maybe add some extra veggies or a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.