Name: Italian Chopped Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 large heads romaine lettuce, chopped; ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup sliced pepperoncini; ½ cup sliced black olives; ½ lb provolone cheese, cut into ribbons; ½ lb salami, cut into ribbons; 12 oz cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ cup Italian vinaigrette

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a well-made Italian chopped salad. It’s bold, fresh, and bursting with savory flavors that hit all the right notes. With crisp romaine, tangy pepperoncini, briny black olives, and rich provolone cheese, this salad is anything but boring. Toss in some high-quality salami and a zesty homemade Italian vinaigrette, and you’ve got a dish that can stand proudly on its own or complement your favorite Italian meals.

I first fell in love with this salad at an old-school Italian deli. The way they chopped everything into perfect little bites made it so much easier to eat, and the flavors blended beautifully. Since then, I’ve been recreating my own version at home, tweaking it until I found the perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, tangy, and savory. What I love most is how versatile it is—you can enjoy it as a light meal, pair it with a warm bowl of soup, or serve it as a side for pizza night.

This salad is inspired by Nancy Silverton’s famous chopped salad from The Mozza Cookbook, but I’ve made a few changes to make it even more family-friendly. The homemade dressing is a must-try—it’s so good that I always double the batch! Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, looking for a quick and nutritious lunch, or wanting a vibrant side dish, this Italian chopped salad is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to love this Italian chopped salad, but let’s start with the most important ones.

Easy to make – With simple, everyday ingredients and a quick chopping process, you can whip this up in no time.
Packed with flavor – The combination of savory salami, sharp provolone, and briny olives makes every bite deliciously complex.
Versatile – Enjoy it as a main dish, a side salad, or even a meal prep option for the week.
Perfect for gatherings – This salad holds up well and can be prepped in advance, making it an excellent choice for potlucks and family dinners.
Customizable – You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

One of the best things about this salad is the texture. The crisp lettuce contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese and crunchy pepperoncini, while the vinaigrette ties everything together with a bright, tangy finish. If you’re a fan of bold flavors and satisfying crunch, this salad will become a staple in your meal rotation.

Health Benefits

While this Italian chopped salad is indulgent in flavor, it also offers plenty of nutritional benefits.

Rich in fiber – Thanks to the fresh vegetables like romaine, onions, and tomatoes, this salad supports digestion and helps keep you full.
High in protein – The provolone cheese and salami add a satisfying amount of protein, making this salad hearty enough for a full meal.
Loaded with healthy fats – The olives, cheese, and olive oil in the dressing provide heart-healthy fats that help keep you energized.
Packed with vitamins and minerals – The ingredients in this salad, especially the tomatoes and romaine, are excellent sources of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate.
Low in carbs – This salad is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or keto-friendly diet.

By using high-quality ingredients and a homemade dressing, you can control the sodium and sugar levels, making this a much healthier alternative to store-bought salads.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Calories per serving: ~350
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fats: 25g

This recipe is quick and efficient, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, with a well-balanced mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, it’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients List

For the Salad:

2 large heads romaine lettuce, chopped
½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup sliced pepperoncini
½ cup sliced black olives (or Kalamata for a richer flavor)
½ lb provolone cheese, sliced ⅛” thick and cut into ¼” ribbons
½ lb high-quality salami, sliced ⅛” thick and cut into ¼” ribbons
12 oz cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Italian Vinaigrette:

⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients

Begin by chopping all the ingredients into small, bite-sized pieces. The key to a great chopped salad is ensuring that everything is uniformly sized so that every bite includes a mix of flavors.

Slice the red onion thinly and soak it in cold water for a few minutes to remove any harshness.
Cut the provolone and salami into thin ribbons.
Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the pepperoncini.
Roughly chop the romaine lettuce into manageable pieces.

2. Make the Italian Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

3. Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the red onion, pepperoncini, black olives, provolone, and salami.
Drizzle half of the Italian vinaigrette over the mixture and toss well.
Add the romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes, then toss again to incorporate.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra vinaigrette or black pepper if needed.

4. Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the salad to a serving dish and sprinkle with extra black pepper if desired. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and best texture.

How to Serve

This Italian chopped salad pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

As a main dish – Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
As a side – Serve alongside pasta, pizza, or an Italian-style sandwich.
With warm bread – Enjoy with garlic bread or a crusty baguette for added heartiness.

Pairing Suggestions

Soup: Minestrone or tomato basil soup complements the salad beautifully.
Pasta: Pair it with a classic spaghetti marinara or creamy Alfredo dish.
Drinks: Serve with sparkling water, lemonade, or iced tea for a refreshing contrast.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerate leftovers – Store undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Keep dressing separate – To prevent sogginess, add the vinaigrette just before serving.
Do not freeze – The lettuce and tomatoes do not hold up well to freezing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though making an Italian chopped salad is straightforward, there are a few mistakes that can affect the taste and texture. Avoiding these common pitfalls will help you create the perfect salad every time.

One of the biggest mistakes is overdressing the salad. It’s tempting to pour all the vinaigrette on at once, but too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a small amount, toss well, and add more if needed. A good rule of thumb is to keep extra dressing on the side so everyone can adjust to their taste.

Another common issue is not chopping the ingredients evenly. The beauty of a chopped salad is that every bite contains a mix of all the flavors. If your cheese is in large chunks while your salami is finely chopped, you won’t get that perfect balance. Try to cut everything into uniform, bite-sized pieces.

Using poor-quality ingredients can also make a difference. This salad relies on simple, bold flavors, so fresh and high-quality ingredients matter. Look for fresh romaine, flavorful provolone, and good-quality salami. If your ingredients are bland, the salad won’t have the rich, delicious taste it’s known for.

Many people also skip soaking the red onion. Red onion can have a strong bite, which may overpower the other ingredients. Soaking the slices in cold water for five minutes helps mellow the sharpness while keeping the crisp texture.

Lastly, preparing the salad too far in advance can lead to wilted lettuce and a loss of texture. While you can chop and store ingredients ahead of time, don’t mix everything together until just before serving. If you need to make it ahead, store the lettuce separately from the wetter ingredients like tomatoes and olives to maintain the freshness.

Pro Tips

For the best Italian chopped salad, follow these pro tips to elevate your dish and make the flavors shine.

Always use a sharp knife when chopping ingredients. A dull knife will bruise the lettuce and make the cuts uneven, affecting both the presentation and texture. If you have a mandoline slicer, it can help create uniform slices of onions and cheese for a more professional look.

To enhance the flavors, let the dressing sit for at least 10 minutes before using it. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify, giving you a richer and more balanced taste. You can also make the dressing in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just shake well before using.

For extra crunch, add homemade croutons or toasted breadcrumbs. This gives the salad a delightful contrast in textures, making it even more satisfying. Simply cube some bread, toss with olive oil and garlic powder, and bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown.

If you’re serving the salad as a meal, consider adding protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas work well. This turns the salad into a hearty, protein-packed dish that can keep you full for hours.

For a burst of freshness, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top before serving. This small addition adds a layer of brightness that complements the richness of the cheese and salami. You can also drizzle a little balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy finish.

Lastly, if you have leftovers, store the ingredients separately. Keep the lettuce in a dry container and the rest of the ingredients in another to prevent wilting. If possible, store the dressing in a separate jar and only mix everything together when ready to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can chop all the ingredients in advance and store them separately. The lettuce should be kept in a dry container, and the rest of the ingredients can be mixed and stored together. Add the dressing right before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

What if I don’t have provolone cheese?
No problem! You can substitute provolone with mozzarella, Parmesan, or even feta. Each cheese will bring a slightly different flavor and texture, but they all work well with the other ingredients.

Can I use store-bought dressing instead of making my own?
Absolutely. While homemade dressing gives the best flavor, a high-quality store-bought Italian vinaigrette can work in a pinch. Look for one with simple, fresh ingredients and avoid overly processed options with too much sugar or preservatives.

How do I keep my salad from getting soggy?
The best way to prevent a soggy salad is to add the dressing just before serving. Also, make sure your lettuce is completely dry before assembling the salad. A salad spinner can help remove excess moisture.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Italian chopped salad is the perfect combination of fresh, hearty, and bold flavors. Every bite is packed with crisp romaine, savory salami, creamy provolone, and zesty olives and pepperoncini, all tied together with a homemade Italian vinaigrette. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a side dish for an Italian feast, or a crowd-pleaser at a gathering, this salad is a guaranteed hit.

The best part about this salad is how easy it is to customize. You can swap ingredients, add proteins, or even turn it into a pasta salad. Plus, with simple meal prep tips, you can make it ahead of time without losing any freshness. It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, potlucks, and meal prepping.

If you’ve never made an Italian chopped salad before, now is the time to try! Grab your ingredients, chop them up, and toss everything together for a restaurant-quality dish right at home. Once you taste the perfect balance of flavors and textures, you’ll see why this is a favorite among so many.

I’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! If you make it, leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts. Did you make any modifications? What did you pair it with? Share your experience!

Also, if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to save it for later and share it with friends and family. And if you’re on social media, tag me in your photos—I love seeing your delicious creations! Happy cooking, and enjoy your Italian chopped salad!