Italian Chopped Salad

When you are looking for a fun way to liven up your salad game, this Italian Chopped Salad makes a welcome change! It is the perfect no-fuss summer dinner that comes together in less time than it would take you to run out for carryout.

Salads make up a big part of my diet, but if I am not careful, I find myself making the same salad over and over again.

When I want to mix, dishes like this Italian Chopped Salad Recipe are such a fun way to do it.

It is perfect for lunch or a light dinner and also works well for a side dish. It is great for outdoor summer entertaining!

Chopped Italian Salad Ingredients

Dressing Ingredients

Red Wine Vinegar: If you prefer, balsamic vinegar is also lovely here.

Olive Oil: Use the best quality extra virgin olive oil that you can

Garlic: I prefer the pungency of fresh raw garlic. If you would like, you can use ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder.

Italian Seasoning:  Rosemary, thyme, basil, and/or oregano may be substituted if you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand.

Dry Mustard: If you don’t have dry mustard on hand, a tablespoon of Dijon mustard is a good alternative.

Salt and Pepper:   Adjust the amount to your liking.

Sweetener: I use Swerve to keep it sugar-free; use whatever sweetener you like.

Salad Ingredients

Lettuce:  Use romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, or a blend of the two.

Cabbage:  I like the color pop from red cabbage, but green cabbage works too.

Salami:  Pick up a good quality salami from the deli. Pepperoni also works in a pinch.

Tomato:  I used a seeded and diced whole tomato, but you could use grape or cherry tomatoes if you like.

Basil: Fresh basil adds a unique pop of flavor! If you can’t find it, you could use parsley. (But it’s not quite the same!)

Scallions:  Scallions are mild. For a more robust onion flavor, can substitute red onions

Chickpeas (Also Called Garbanzo Beans: This is optional - I like that they add additional protein and a pop of texture 

Variations

• I kept this recipe dairy-free, but cheese is a great addition. Some to consider are provolone cheese, fresh mozzarella, or goat cheese. If you choose to go with mozzarella, Baby bocconcini (small mozzarella balls) are nice.
• Other great additions include roasted red peppers, Pepperoccini, giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables), and green olives.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Tools Needed to Make The Best Italian Chopped Salad Recipe

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• Lettuce Knife
• Salad Spinner
• Salad Bowl

Storage

Once this recipe has been tossed, I recommend serving it immediately.

If you want to make this Italian Chopped Salad ahead of time, you can keep the salad and dressing in separate containers for up to three days.

More Salad Recipes to Try

• This Citrus Quinoa Salad with Rice is so full of flavor! It makes a great summer side that is perfect for grilled meats.
• If you love sweet heat, you are going to love this Grilled Chicken Mango Salad.
• This Strawberry Pecan Salad has an extra pop of protein from hemp seeds and a dressing that will surprise you.

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Print Recipe

5 from 3 votes

Italian Chopped Salad

This Italian Chopped Salad is a great gluten-free salad that the whole family will love! It makes a great appetizer or light meal.

Prep Time15 mins

Total Time15 mins

Course: Main, Salad

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: salad

Servings: 4

Author: Wendy Polisi

Ingredients

Dressing

• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Swerve or sweetener of choice

Salad

• 4 cups chopped lettuce
• 1 cup chopped red cabbage
• 3 oz Salami chopped
• 1 to mato chopped
• ½ cup pitted kalamata olives chopped
• ⅓ cup fresh basil chopped
• 2 scallions sliced thin
• 1 ½ cups chickpeas drained and rinsed one can

Instructions

• Make the dressing by combining vinegar, oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, mustard, sea salt, pepper, and sweetener in a blender and processing until smooth.
• To make the salad, thinly slice all of the vegetables.
• Combine the lettuce, cabbage, salami, basil, tomato, olives, and scallions in a large bowl. Sprinkle with the chickpeas and toss to combine.
• Add the desired amount of dressing and toss.