Why Make This Recipe
This Italian Chopped Salad with Zesty Dressing is perfect for any meal. It’s colorful, fresh, and packed with flavors. The crunchy vegetables and creamy mozzarella pair beautifully with the zesty dressing. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be made in just a few minutes. It’s a great way to enjoy healthy ingredients, and it’s perfect for a quick lunch or as a side dish for dinner.
How to Make Italian Chopped Salad with Zesty Dressing
Ingredients:
- 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)
- 1/2 cup of fresh mozzarella cheese (cubed)
- 1/2 cup of green bell peppers (diced)
- 1/4 cup of banana peppers (sliced)
- 1/4 cup of salami (sliced)
- 2 tbsp of chopped fresh basil
- 2 tbsp of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil (preferably labeled "extra-light tasting")
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice (from 1 or 2 lemons)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tbsp sugar
Directions:
- Start by chopping and slicing all your salad ingredients.
- In a small glass or jar, blend all the dressing ingredients together until smooth. You can use an immersion blender or a whisk.
- Layer your salad ingredients in a bowl or serving dish, starting with the chopped lettuce.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, green bell peppers, cucumbers, mozzarella cubes, salami slices, red onion, black olives, and banana peppers.
- Finish with the chopped basil and parsley.
- Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving, and enjoy!
How to Serve Italian Chopped Salad with Zesty Dressing
This salad can be served as a main dish or a side. It’s great on its own, or you can pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. Serve it fresh and cold, and add some crusty bread on the side for a complete Italian dining experience.
How to Store Italian Chopped Salad with Zesty Dressing
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It is best eaten within a day or two. Keep the dressing separate to avoid soggy vegetables. When you’re ready to eat, you can drizzle the dressing on top again for freshness.
Tips to Make Italian Chopped Salad with Zesty Dressing
- Make sure to chop your vegetables evenly for a nice presentation and consistent texture.
- If you have extra time, let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Feel free to add other ingredients you love, such as artichokes or pepperoncini, for extra flavor.
Variation
You can customize this salad by adding different proteins, such as grilled chicken, tuna, or chickpeas. You can also use different types of cheese, like feta or goat cheese, to change up the taste.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and store them in the fridge. Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve for the best taste and texture.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free, as long as the salami does not contain gluten.
Can I use other greens instead of Romaine lettuce?
Yes! You can use any greens you like, such as spinach, mixed greens, or kale, depending on your preference.
Italian Chopped Salad with Zesty Dressing
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups Romaine lettuce (chopped) Chop into bite-sized pieces.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (diced)
- 1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup black olives (pitted and sliced)
- 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella cheese (cubed)
- 1/2 cup green bell peppers (diced)
- 1/4 cup banana peppers (sliced)
- 1/4 cup salami (sliced)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil Preferably labeled 'extra-light tasting'.
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice (from 1 or 2 lemons)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions
Preparation
- Chop and slice all your salad ingredients.
- In a small glass or jar, blend all the dressing ingredients together until smooth using an immersion blender or a whisk.
- Layer the salad ingredients in a bowl or serving dish, starting with the chopped lettuce.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, green bell peppers, cucumbers, mozzarella cubes, salami slices, red onion, black olives, and banana peppers.
- Finish with the chopped basil and parsley.
- Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving, and enjoy!
