Description
A vibrant and refreshing Italian Chopped Salad that combines crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and colorful bell peppers with tangy olives, pepperoncini, mozzarella, and optional salami. Tossed in a zesty homemade vinaigrette featuring extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and oregano, this salad is perfect for a light, quick meal or a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed or mini balls
- 1/4 cup salami, diced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, sliced black olives, sliced pepperoncini peppers, cubed or mini mozzarella balls, diced salami if using, and chopped fresh basil. Mix gently to blend all the flavors.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the dressing is well emulsified and flavorful.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the mixed salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece of vegetable and cheese is lightly coated with the vinaigrette for optimal flavor.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh, crisp texture. Alternatively, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together more deeply before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami or substitute with a plant-based protein.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the salami is gluten-free or omit it entirely.
- Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch if desired.
- Use fresh oregano instead of dried for a more vibrant herb flavor when available.
- The salad is best served fresh to maintain crispness but can be chilled briefly for enhanced melding of flavors.
