Ah, the joy of a fresh salad—especially when it’s Italian! There’s something about the combination of crisp greens, vibrant veggies, and zesty dressing that just sings to the soul, like the first notes of a summer symphony. My grandmother used to say that a good salad is like a good story:
each ingredient has its part to play, and together they create a dish that’s more than the sum of its parts. This Italian Chopped Salad is just that, a delicious narrative all in one bowl.
Steps
- Prepare the dressing by whisking olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, shallot, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Halve the iceberg lettuce through its core, remove the core, and slice the lettuce into thin strips. Repeat the same process with the radicchio.
- In a large bowl, mix the sliced lettuce, radicchio, halved or quartered cherry tomatoes, rinsed chickpeas, pearl mozzarella, provolone cheese, and sliced pepperoncini.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl, and gently toss everything to ensure even coating.
- Season the salad with additional salt and pepper to taste, then toss again to combine the flavors. Sprinkle with extra oregano before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 small head of iceberg lettuce
- 1 head of radicchio
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 4 ounces of fresh pearl mozzarella, drained
- 4 ounces of provolone cheese, diced
- 5 pepperoncini, stemmed and sliced
- 1 teaspoon of oregano, for garnish
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Red wine vinegar
- Shallot
- Garlic
- Dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
FAQ
- What is the base of the chopped salad in this recipe?
- The salad uses iceberg lettuce and radicchio as its base, providing a fresh and crisp texture with a visually appealing mix of green and red leaves.
- Can I make this salad vegetarian?
- Absolutely! The original recipe includes Genoa salami, but you can skip it to keep the salad vegetarian. Instead, you can enhance the flavor by adding sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
- What kind of dressing is used for this salad?
- The salad features a simple lemon vinaigrette, which is a homemade version of Italian dressing. It’s made from lemon juice, red wine vinegar, shallot, garlic, and dried oregano, offering a bright and tangy flavor.
- Is this salad filling enough to be a meal on its own?
- Yes, thanks to the inclusion of cheese and chickpeas, this chopped salad is hearty enough to be enjoyed as a standalone meal. You can also pair it with a slice of crusty bread or focaccia for a complete lunch.
- What are some suggested pairings for this chopped salad?
- This salad makes a great side dish for pizza, pasta, or classic cookout fare. Consider serving it alongside a Margherita pizza, veggie burger, or any of these summer-friendly options like BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches or a Portobello Mushroom Burger.
Tips
- For an extra crunch, consider roasting the chickpeas before adding them to the salad. This will enhance their texture and add a delightful contrast to the other fresh ingredients.
- If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative to the Genoa salami originally suggested in the recipe, try incorporating sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for added flavor and color.
- To ensure a perfect mix of flavors in every bite, slice the iceberg lettuce and radicchio into thin, uniform strips. This technique allows the ingredients to blend seamlessly, enhancing the overall taste and presentation.
- Experiment with pairing this hearty salad with a slice of crusty bread or homemade focaccia for a complete meal experience. The combination is not only satisfying but also adds a delightful variety of textures to your meal.
Equipment
- Salad Spinner – for washing and drying the lettuce and radicchio efficiently.
- Chef’s Knife – a high-quality knife for chopping vegetables uniformly.
- Cutting Board – a sturdy surface for slicing and dicing ingredients.
- Mixing Bowl – a large bowl to combine and toss the salad ingredients.
- Whisk – to mix the salad dressing ingredients thoroughly.
- Small Bowl – for preparing the dressing before adding it to the salad.
