Ciao Bella the Ultimate Italian Chopped Salad
Recipe Introduction
Craving Italy? Let's Make an Italian Chopped Salad!
Ever feel like you need a quick trip to Italy? Me too! This Italian Chopped Salad is the next best thing.
It’s packed with bold Italian flavors that will make your taste buds sing! Think tangy vinaigrette, salty salami, and creamy provolone.
Oh my gosh, are you drooling already?
A Little Bit About This Hearty Salad
This isn't your average salad. Italian Vinaigrette Salad comes from the classic Italian antipasto platter. Imagine all those delicious flavors, but in salad form! This recipe is super easy and takes only 20 minutes.
It makes about 6 servings, perfect for a family dinner or a potluck. Seriously, it's a total winner.
Why You'll LOVE this Italian Salad
Honestly, this salad is good for you! It's full of fresh veggies and healthy fats from the olive oil. Plus, it's the perfect dish for a summer barbecue or a light lunch.
But what makes this Italian Chopped Salad special? It’s the combination of textures and flavors! Crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, salty salami.
.. You know? It's just chef's kiss .
Italian Dressing Magic
Making your own Italian Salad Dressing is easier than you think. It tastes way better than the store-bought stuff, I promise.
All you need is some olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and a few herbs and spices. Whisk it all together and voilà ! Magic!
Time to Grab Your Ingredients
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff. Here's what you'll need for this Chopped Salad Recipe . You'll want some lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, bell pepper, Kalamata olives, salami, provolone cheese, pepperoncini, artichoke hearts, and chickpeas.
And don't forget those key ingredients for the Italian Vinaigrette!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Party Started!
Okay, so you want to make this amazing Italian Chopped Salad . Awesome! You're gonna love it. Honestly, it's one of my go-to hearty salads , perfect for everything.
From picnics to a quick lunch and it's so easy! First, let's talk about what you need.
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
Right, here’s the lowdown for our Italian Chopped Salad .
- Romaine lettuce: 6 cups (about 170g), chopped. Get it nice and crisp!
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup (about 150g), halved. Sweet ones are best!
- Red onion: ½ cup (about 50g), diced finely.
- Cucumber: 1 cup (about 100g), diced.
- Bell pepper: 1 cup (about 100g), diced (any color). I love red for a pop.
- Kalamata olives: ½ cup (about 75g), pitted and halved.
- Salami: 4 ounces (about 115g), diced. Look for a good quality Italian dry salami.
- Provolone cheese: 4 ounces (about 115g), diced.
- Pepperoncini: ¼ cup (about 40g), sliced (optional). Adds a nice kick!
- Artichoke hearts: ¼ cup (about 30g), quartered.
- Optional: Chickpeas/Cannellini beans: ½ cup (about 85g), drained.
Now, for the star of the show, the Italian Salad Dressing :
- Extra virgin olive oil: ¼ cup (60ml). Good quality is key here.
- Red wine vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30ml).
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml), freshly squeezed.
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon (5ml).
- Dried basil: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml).
- Garlic powder: ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml).
- Red pepper flakes: ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) (optional).
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Seasoning Notes: Level Up Your Salad
Honestly, the dried oregano and basil are what really make that Italian Salad flavor pop. If you're feeling fancy, add a pinch of garlic powder.
Red pepper flakes? Only if you’re brave! If you're out of red wine vinegar, white wine or balsamic will totally work.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!
You don't need anything crazy. Just a big bowl to toss everything in.
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Whisk
- Small mixing bowl or jar (for vinaigrette)
- Measuring cups and spoons
A good knife is a must, obviously. A whisk for the dressing, and measuring cups. If you haven't got a fancy whisk, a fork does the trick.
That's it! Now you're ready to make the most delicious Mediterranean Chopped Salad or Provolone Salami Salad ever. Let's move on to the fun part!
Cooking Up an Amazing Italian Chopped Salad
Honestly, who doesn't love a good Italian Chopped Salad ? It's like a party in your mouth! Think vibrant colours, fresh flavours, and that satisfying crunch.
I’m not kidding! It's a super easy way to get your veggies in, especially when you're craving something light but satisfying.
This recipe is so good. It makes it easy and simple to create the perfect Hearty Salads
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
Before you even think about chopping, let's get organised. This is essential mise en place and that is what professionals chefs do.
Grab your ingredients, the board, and your sharpest knife. We need it all ready! Chop all the veggies first. Dice the salami and provolone.
Get that vinaigrette mixed up. That's key for a smooth process!
Safety first, guys! Keep those fingers away from the blade. A sharp knife is actually safer than a dull one, believe it or not. Honestly, trust me on this one.
step-by-step: Salad Perfection
- Whisk together Italian Salad Dressing: olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, basil, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Chop lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and bell pepper. Get those veggies bite sized.
- Dice salami and provolone. Then, halve the olives.
- Combine chopped ingredients with artichoke hearts in a big bowl.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently. That will coat it evenly.
- Serve immediately! Don't let it sit too long, it'll get soggy.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salad Game
Want to take your Italian Vinaigrette Salad to the next level? Chill your chopped lettuce for 30 minutes before assembling.
Also, don't overdress! No one likes a soggy salad. Ever! And for Provolone Salami Salad perfection? Use good quality ingredients.
It makes a huge difference. The secret is the Italian Salad . It has to be perfect!
One of the most common mistakes is not tasting the dressing. It needs to be perfectly balanced. Too much vinegar? Add a touch of honey.
Not enough zing? Squeeze in more lemon. It will be a great Antipasto Salad.
You can totally make the vinaigrette a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good shake before using.
This Mediterranean Chopped Salad is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. You know? I find it delicious! It's a great Cold Salad to enjoy! And also is a really good Chopped Salad Recipe
Recipe Notes: Your Italian Chopped Salad Journey
Alright, you've got the basics for an amazing Italian Chopped Salad . Now, let's chat about making it your own. Honestly, this recipe is just a starting point.
Feel free to get creative. It's like jazz, you know? Use the notes as a guide.
Ace that Presentation
Let's talk plating. Think about colour! A vibrant Italian Salad is visually appealing. Arrange your hearty salads artfully. Use a big, shallow bowl.
It shows off all the ingredients. Or, go for individual plates for a fancier vibe. A drizzle of extra Italian Salad Dressing on top? Chef's kiss!
For drinks, a crisp Pinot Grigio is always a winner. Even an ice-cold lemonade works wonders.
Storage Secrets
Got leftovers? No problem! This cold salad keeps pretty well. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Pro-tip: store the dressing separately. This stops the lettuce from getting soggy. Nobody likes a soggy salad, right?
Freezing isn't recommended. Trust me on this one. The lettuce will wilt. The texture will just be... wrong.
Tweak It 'Til You Make It
Wanna mix things up? Go for it! Ditch the salami for grilled halloumi for a veggie vibe. Or try adding some grilled courgette for a taste of summer.
Got dietary needs? No sweat. Swap out the salami for grilled chicken for a leaner Italian Vinaigrette Salad . Use a dairy-free cheese alternative instead of provolone. Boom!
Seasonal swaps? Radishes in spring. Roasted butternut squash in autumn.
Quick Nutrition Lowdown
Okay, let's keep it real simple. This Provolone Salami Salad is packed with veggies. That's good for you! It's got protein from the meat and cheese.
Also, healthy fats from the olive oil. Just be mindful of the sodium, especially if you're watching your salt intake.
Enjoying a Mediterranean Chopped Salad like this is great for getting your vitamins and fibre. It's a tasty way to be good to yourself.
So, there you have it! A few extra thoughts to help you create the perfect Chopped Salad Recipe . This Italian Chopped Salad is super versatile. Relax, have fun, and happy salad making!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Italian Chopped Salad ahead of time?
You can definitely prep the individual components of the salad ahead of time, like chopping the vegetables and making the dressing. However, it's best to toss everything together right before serving. This prevents the lettuce from getting soggy and keeps everything nice and crisp.
Nobody wants a sad, wilted salad, right?
What are some good substitutions for ingredients in the Italian Chopped Salad?
This Italian Chopped Salad is super flexible! If you don't have provolone, mozzarella or fontina will work a treat. No salami on hand? Try pepperoni or prosciutto for a similar savory hit. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add grilled zucchini or eggplant.
Feel free to get creative it's your salad, after all!
How long will Italian Chopped Salad last in the fridge?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Undressed salad components can last for 2-3 days. Once the salad is dressed, it's best eaten within 24 hours to prevent it from becoming soggy. Think of it like a good episode of "The Great British Baking Show" best enjoyed fresh!
Is the Italian Chopped Salad healthy?
Absolutely! This salad is packed with fresh vegetables, providing plenty of vitamins and fiber. The salami and cheese add protein and flavor, but you can easily adjust the amounts to make it lighter. Using a high-quality olive oil in the vinaigrette also provides healthy fats. It's all about balance, innit?
Can I add other ingredients to my Italian Chopped Salad?
Definitely! One of the best things about this salad is how customizable it is. Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, or toss in some toasted pine nuts for added crunch. Sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese would also be fantastic additions.
Make it your own masterpiece!
What's the best way to make the Italian Vinaigrette for this salad?
While whisking works fine, I find shaking the vinaigrette in a jar is the easiest way to emulsify it. Just combine all the ingredients in a jar with a tight fitting lid and shake vigorously until well combined. This ensures the oil and vinegar blend properly, creating a smoother, more flavorful dressing.
Plus, it's less washing up! You can always add a pinch of sugar if the vinagrette is to acidic.
Ciao Bella The Ultimate Italian Chopped Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |
