15-Minute Italian Chopped Salad with Zesty Dressing – Simple, Fresh, Delicious
Packed with crunch and flavors, this Italian Chopped Salad is as easy as it is delicious. It combines fresh greens, colorful vegetables, cheese, and meats with a tangy homemade dressing. It comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for a quick meal or side.
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Italian Chopped Salad is one of those dishes I never get tired of. The mix of crisp lettuce, crunchy vegetables, savory meats, and cheese, all coated in a zesty lemon dressing, makes every bite full of flavor.
This salad is perfect for spring or summer and can be enjoyed throughout the warmer months. It’s the kind of salad that doesn’t just sit on the side of the plate—it holds its own and always disappears fast.
What I love most is that each forkful has the perfect flavors and textures. There’s no hunting for the best bite because every bite is just right. It’s simple, comes together quickly, and always feels like the perfect addition to the table.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes—perfect for busy days.
- Perfectly Balanced: Each ingredient is chopped small for each forkful’s ideal mix of textures and flavors.
- No-Cook Recipe: Perfect for hot days when you want a quick, fresh meal without the hassle
- Meal Prep Friendly: This salad is great for meal prep, easily stored in the fridge, and ready to enjoy throughout the week.
- Make-Ahead: Prep it in advance for quick lunches or dinners—just add the dressing when you’re ready to serve.
Ingredients
For The Salad
I am using Romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, bell peppers, banana peppers, fresh mozzarella cheese, salami, basil, and parsley.
For The Dressing
I am using Extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar.
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1: In a deep glass, combine all the dressing ingredients and use an immersion blender to mix them thoroughly.
Step 2: Assemble the salad by layering it in the following order: start with the chopped lettuce, followed by the halved cherry tomatoes, diced green bell peppers, diced cucumbers, cubed mozzarella cheese, sliced salami, thinly sliced red onions, sliced black olives, banana peppers, and the chopped basil and parsley. Finish by topping the layered salad with the prepared zesty dressing.
Expert Tips
- Ensure all ingredients are chopped into similar sizes to create a balanced bite with every forkful.
- Add the dressing just before serving to prevent the salad from getting soggy.
- Red pepper flakes or hot sauce is a great option if you want to add some heat.
- To keep the salad fresh, store the chopped ingredients in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian Chopped Salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. It’s a great side for grilled meats, pasta dishes, or sandwiches. For a light meal, enjoy it on its own with a slice of crusty bread or flatbread. It also makes a vibrant addition to any BBQ or picnic, complementing everything from burgers to grilled vegetables.
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Equipment
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 4 cups Romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- ½ cup red onion thinly sliced
- ½ cup black olives pitted and sliced
- ½ cup pearl mozzarella balls
- ½ cup green bell peppers diced
- ¼ cup banana peppers sliced
- 4 oz salami cubed (½ cup)
- 2 tablespoons basil chopped
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
For the Zesty Dressing:
- ½ cup olive oil extra-virgin (preferably labeled "extra-light tasting")
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 lemon juiced (around 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- Begin by chopping, dicing, and slicing the ingredients listed in the salad ingredients section.
- In a deep glass, combine all the dressing ingredients and use an immersion blender to mix them thoroughly.
- Assemble the salad by layering it in the following order: start with the chopped lettuce, followed by the halved cherry tomatoes, diced green bell peppers, diced cucumbers, mozzarella balls, cubed salami, thinly sliced red onions, sliced black olives, banana peppers, and the chopped basil and parsley.
- Finish by topping the layered salad with the prepared zesty dressing.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are chopped into similar sizes to create a balanced bite with every forkful.
- Add the dressing just before serving to prevent the salad from getting soggy.
- Red pepper flakes or hot sauce is a great option if you want to add some heat.
- To keep the salad fresh, store the chopped ingredients in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
