If you’re craving a vibrant, satisfying salad that goes beyond leafy greens and rabbit food, the Italian Chopped Salad is your perfect match. It’s hearty, colorful, and bursting with classic Mediterranean flavors—from salty olives to creamy mozzarella and tangy Italian dressing. This dish is not only beautiful to look at but also incredibly filling and satisfying. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, hosting friends for lunch, or looking for a make-ahead meal prep idea, this Italian chopped salad delivers in both taste and texture. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, it stands tall as a main course or a perfect side dish. And with zero cooking required, it’s a quick and convenient choice for any day of the week.
🧀 Why You’ll Love This Italian Chopped Salad
The magic of a chopped salad lies in the texture: each bite delivers a balanced mix of all the ingredients, ensuring no flavor gets left behind. This Italian version brings together a medley of classic deli items like salami, pepperoni, and provolone cheese, blending seamlessly with fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and artichoke hearts. Add in the briny punch of olives and pepperoncini, and finish it off with creamy mozzarella balls—and you’ve got a salad that truly eats like a meal. This recipe is also incredibly flexible. Want it vegetarian? Just skip the meats. Prefer it spicier? Add hot cherry peppers or extra pepperoncini. Craving crunch? Toss in some croutons or roasted chickpeas. The base remains endlessly customizable to suit your taste.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 6 cups lettuce, chopped (romaine or iceberg work best for crunch)
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, coarsely chopped
- ½ cup black or green olives, sliced or whole
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup pepperoncini, sliced
- ½ cup provolone cheese, chopped
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls, halved
- ½ cup salami, chopped
- ½ cup pepperoni, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- ½ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prep the ingredients:
Wash and chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Dice the tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and cheeses. Thinly slice the red onion and pepperoncini. Halve the mozzarella balls and chop the salami and pepperoni. - Assemble the salad:
In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped lettuce as the base. Top with tomatoes, artichoke hearts, olives, red onion, pepperoncini, provolone cheese, mozzarella, salami, and pepperoni. - Add herbs & dressing:
Sprinkle in the fresh chopped basil or parsley for a burst of herbaceous flavor. Drizzle the Italian dressing over the top. - Toss & serve:
Gently toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated with dressing. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.
💡 Tips & Serving Suggestions
- Make it ahead: This salad can be prepped a few hours in advance. Store the dressing separately and toss just before serving to keep it crisp.
- Meal prep hero: Divide into airtight containers and store in the fridge (dressing on the side) for up to 3 days.
- Pair it up: Goes great with grilled chicken, garlic bread, or pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna.
- Add more crunch: Toss in toasted pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or even crispy chickpeas.
🥄 Homemade Italian Dressing (Optional)
Want to skip the store-bought version? Mix together:
- ½ cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Shake until emulsified and pour over your salad!
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Italian Chopped Salad is a celebration of flavors and textures—easy to make, full of bold ingredients, and a real crowd-pleaser. Whether you serve it at a summer BBQ, bring it to a potluck, or enjoy it as a solo meal, it never disappoints. It’s hearty, healthy(ish), and completely delicious. What’s your favorite Italian ingredient to add to chopped salads?