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Italian Chopped Salad: A Bowl Full of Flavor and Fun

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A vibrant Italian Chopped Salad combining crisp lettuce, savory meats, creamy cheeses, and tangy vegetables, tossed in zesty Italian dressing for a flavorful, festive dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

6 cups chopped romaine lettuce

1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered

1/2 cup sliced red onion

1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1/2 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup artichoke hearts, chopped

1/2 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved

1/2 cup provolone cheese, diced

1/2 cup salami, diced

1/2 cup pepperoni, diced

1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped

1/4 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Wash and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, pepperoncini, olives, chickpeas, artichoke hearts, mozzarella, provolone, salami, and pepperoni.
  3. Sprinkle the chopped basil or parsley over the salad.
  4. Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
  5. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, omit salami and pepperoni; add extra chickpeas or grilled vegetables.
  • Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for more protein.
  • Include additional Italian cheeses like bocconcini or Parmesan for richer flavor.
  • Add jalapeños or hot cherry peppers for a spicy kick.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; best served cold.
  • Make homemade Italian dressing by whisking olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  • Use gluten-free meats and dressing to keep salad gluten-free.
  • Add fruits like sliced apples, pears, or grapes for a sweet contrast.
  • Include nuts or seeds like pine nuts or slivered almonds for crunch.
  • To make vegan, omit cheeses and meats and use vegan Italian dressing, adding more chickpeas or tofu.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesbyjanet.com/italian-chopped-salad-a-bowl-full-of-flavor-and-fun/