Go Back
A bowl of fresh Italian chopped salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, yellow peppers, mozzarella balls, and salami pieces, with another salad bowl and a jar of dressing in the background.
Print Recipe

Unforgettable Italian Chopped Salad

If you’re looking for a vibrant, satisfying salad that bursts with fresh flavors and textures, this Unforgettable Italian chopped salad is the perfect choice. It’s packed with crisp Romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, savory salami, and a zesty homemade dressing that ties it all together beautifully. Whether you’re serving it as a light main course or a hearty side, this salad is sure to impress!
Prep Time15 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Author: Chop and Cheers

Ingredients

For the chopped salad:

  • 4 cups of Romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup of cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup of cucumber diced
  • 1/2 cup of red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup of black olives pitted and sliced (you can substitute for Kalamata olives or capers for a briny twist)
  • 1/2 cup of fresh mozzarella cheese cubed (you can substitute for feta or provolone cheese)
  • 1/2 cup of green bell peppers diced
  • 1/4 cup of banana peppers sliced
  • 1/4 cup of salami sliced
  • 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil
  • 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley

For the salad dressing:

  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil preferably labeled "extra-light tasting"
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice from 1 or 2 lemons
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions

  • Begin by chopping, dicing, and slicing the ingredients listed in the salad ingredients section. Make sure all the pieces are roughly the same size.
  • In a deep glass or jar, combine all the dressing ingredients and use an immersion blender to mix them thoroughly. Alternatively, whisk vigorously by hand or shake in a tightly sealed jar.
    Taste the dressing and adjust the taste. If it's too acidic, add a pinch of sugar or drizzle in some honey. If it's too sweet, add a splash of red wine vinegar.
  • Layer the salad in this order: Romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, green bell peppers, cucumbers, mozzarella, salami, red onion, olives, banana peppers, basil, and parsley.
  • Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the top just before serving.
  • Toss the salad gently or leave layered for a beautiful presentation. Serve cold for a refreshing crunch or at room temperature for a more intense flavor.

Notes

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, but make sure to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent sogginess.