Name: Italian Chopped Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon red vinegar; 1/2 shallot, finely chopped; 1 garlic clove, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 small head iceberg lettuce; 1 head radicchio; 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered; 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained; 4 ounces fresh pearl mozzarella, drained; 4 ounces provolone cheese, diced; 5 pepperoncini, stemmed and sliced; 1 teaspoon oregano, for garnish; Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious salad that bursts with textures and flavors, this Italian Chopped Salad Recipe is your new best friend. Packed with crisp iceberg lettuce, slightly bitter radicchio, creamy mozzarella, tangy pepperoncini, and a zesty homemade dressing, it perfectly balances bright acidity, savory richness, and a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a colorful side, or a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, this salad is a simple yet stunning way to celebrate Italian-inspired flavors in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various fresh ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There are six white bowls: one with round white mozzarella balls, one with small diced cheese cubes, one with chickpeas, one with thin slices of purple onion, one with a mustard-colored sauce with a whisk inside, and one with three yellow peppers. Surrounding the bowls are a bunch of bright red cherry tomatoes still on the vine, a whole head of green iceberg lettuce, and a whole head of purple radicchio. A lemon half and a small bowl with coarse black pepper are also visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Italian Chopped Salad Recipe relies on straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully. Each item adds a distinct color, crunch, or burst of flavor, making the salad both delicious and visually inviting.

Extra-virgin olive oil: The foundation of your dressing, adding smooth richness and depth.
Lemon juice: Provides fresh acidity that brightens the whole salad.
Red vinegar: Enhances the tangy punch in the dressing for a balanced flavor.
Shallot: Finely chopped for a mild onion flavor that gently complements other ingredients.
Garlic clove: Adds a subtle kick and aromatic note in the dressing.
Dried oregano: Brings classic Italian herbiness both in the dressing and as a garnish.
Sea salt: Essential for seasoning and amplifying natural flavors.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just a touch of heat and complexity.
Iceberg lettuce: For crisp, refreshing crunch and a mild backdrop.
Radicchio: Offers beautiful color and a pleasantly bitter bite.
Red onion: Thinly sliced to add a subtle sharpness and vibrant purple hue.
Cherry tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, bursting with summertime flavor.
Chickpeas: Adds heartiness and a soft, creamy bite.
Fresh pearl mozzarella: Brings a soft, milky, and luscious texture.
Provolone cheese: Delicious diced cubes provide mild smokiness and chew.
Pepperoncini: Sliced to introduce a zesty, slightly spicy pop.

How to Make Italian Chopped Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Start by whisking the olive oil, lemon juice, red vinegar, finely chopped shallot, garlic, dried oregano, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. This vibrant dressing sets the tone for the salad, delivering layers of zesty, herbal, and savory notes that perfectly coat the crisp veggies.

Step 2: Chop the Lettuce and Radicchio

Cut the iceberg lettuce in half through the core, carefully removing it to keep everything tender. Then slice the lettuce lengthwise into about 1/4-inch strips, ensuring every bite is satisfyingly crunchy. Repeat this process with the radicchio to add beautiful color and its signature slightly bitter contrast to the mix.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped iceberg lettuce, radicchio, halved or quartered cherry tomatoes, rinsed and drained chickpeas, fresh pearl mozzarella balls, diced provolone, thinly sliced red onion, and sliced pepperoncini. The mix is vibrant and packed with texture, offering a little something for every craving.

Step 4: Toss with Dressing and Season

Drizzle your freshly made dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat every piece. Season with a pinch more sea salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed, tossing again. Finally, sprinkle a teaspoon of oregano over the top for a burst of authentic Italian flavors and an inviting herbaceous aroma.

How to Serve Italian Chopped Salad Recipe

A wooden bowl filled with a colorful mixed salad sits on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer has green and purple leafy lettuce mixed together. On top, there are sliced cherry tomatoes, yellow pepper rings, chopped white cheese cubes, slices of red onion, and chickpeas spread evenly. The salad looks fresh with a mix of soft and crunchy textures from the different vegetables and cheese. A woman's hand is seen holding the edge of the bowl from the top corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a beautiful finishing touch, consider adding a few more whole pepperoncini or a handful of bright fresh basil leaves. A light drizzle of good quality balsamic glaze can also add a sweet and tangy hint that complements the salad wonderfully without overpowering its delicate balance.

Side Dishes

This Italian Chopped Salad Recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of mains. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, baked fish, or a rich pasta dish to brighten your plate. It’s also perfect for accompanying a rustic loaf of crusty bread, transforming any meal into a satisfying and colorful feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or casual gatherings, consider layering the salad ingredients in a clear glass bowl for a stunning visual presentation before tossing. Alternatively, serve the salad in individual jars or cups for an easy and elegant picnic or lunchbox option that keeps everything fresh and crunchy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Toss the salad with dressing just before serving again to keep the crisp ingredients fresh and vibrant.

Freezing

This salad does not freeze well due to the fresh vegetables and cheeses, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh. However, you can prepare the dressing ahead and freeze it in small portions for quick future use.

Reheating

Reheating is not recommended since this is a fresh salad best served cold or at room temperature. If you want a warm option, pairing the salad with a warmed main dish is a great idea instead.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lettuce in this Italian Chopped Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! While iceberg lettuce provides crisp texture and mild flavor, you can swap in romaine or green leaf lettuce for a slightly different crunch and taste. Just keep the radicchio for that essential touch of bitterness and color.

How can I make the dressing creamier?

If you prefer a creamier dressing, try whisking in a spoonful of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the olive oil and lemon juice mixture. This will create a richer, silkier coating without losing the salad’s fresh character.

Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes! This recipe contains no meat and centers on fresh veggies, cheeses, and legumes, making it perfect for vegetarians. For a vegan option, simply omit the mozzarella and provolone or substitute with plant-based cheeses.

Can I add proteins to make this salad a full meal?

Definitely. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even thinly sliced salami can be excellent additions that boost protein content and make the salad more filling while staying true to the Italian flavor profile.

What can I do to keep the salad from getting soggy?

The key is to keep the dressing separate until just before serving and to thoroughly drain any canned ingredients like chickpeas. Also, chopping the salad ingredients uniformly helps distribute dressing evenly without oversaturating any one part.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say this Italian Chopped Salad Recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen rotation. It’s simple to make, endlessly flavorful, and wonderfully adaptable to whatever you have on hand. Give it a try, and enjoy the refreshing, cheerful crunch and bold flavors that celebrate all the best things about Italian-inspired cooking.

Italian Chopped Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need