Easy Italian Chopped Salad with Salami and Mozzarella

This delightful Italian chopped salad features a vibrant and crunchy combination of beloved Italian deli ingredients, all brought together with a straightforward yet lively vinaigrette dressing. Reminiscent of those hearty salads served at your favorite pizzeria, it bursts with robust and satisfying tastes that keep you coming back for more.

Course: Lunch, Salad Cuisine: Italian

Prep Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Yield: 2 servings Serving Size: 1/2

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1/2 cup peeled English cucumber, cubed
• 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup sliced red onion
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 roasted red pepper, drained and chopped
• 1 ounce Genoa salami, sliced thin
• 6 tablespoons shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

How to Make Italian Chopped Salad

Creating this Italian chopped salad is a breeze with just a few simple steps. Below is an overview of the straightforward process.

1. Begin by combining your prepared vegetables in a spacious mixing bowl to create the solid base of the salad.

2. Next, drizzle the olive oil and vinegar over the vegetables, then gently toss everything together until evenly coated with the dressing.

3. Finally, scatter the roasted red peppers, sliced salami, and shredded mozzarella on top to complete the assembly.

• Establish the foundation: Start by tossing the chopped romaine, cubed cucumbers, halved tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion with the olive oil and red wine vinegar until well combined.
• Season appropriately: Sprinkle in kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to your personal taste preferences.
• Finalize with toppings: Arrange the chopped roasted red pepper, Genoa salami slices, and shredded mozzarella cheese over the dressed vegetables for the perfect finishing touch.

Properties of Ingredients:

• Romaine Lettuce: Low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and folate. Great for hydration with high water content.
• English Cucumber: Low in calories and a good source of vitamins K and C, as well as antioxidants. Hydrating and refreshing.
• Cherry Tomatoes: High in vitamins C and A, antioxidants like lycopene, and low in calories. Good for heart health and skin.
• Red Onion: Contains antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, which help with digestion and heart health. Adds flavor with minimal calories.
• Olive Oil: Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, which supports heart health and inflammation reduction.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Low in calories, contains antioxidants, and may help with blood sugar regulation and digestion.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Salt adds sodium (use in moderation), while black pepper provides piperine, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Roasted Red Pepper: Rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber, supporting immune health and skin health.
• Genoa Salami: High in protein but also contains fats and sodium. Provides flavor but should be consumed in moderation for a balanced diet.
• Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese: Provides calcium, protein, and vitamin B12 while being lower in fat compared to full-fat cheese.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Serving: 1/2 Calories: 271 kcal Carbohydrates: 9 g Protein: 12 g Fat: 22 g Saturated Fat: 5.5 g Cholesterol: 22.5 mg Sodium: 556 mg Fiber: 3 g Sugar: 3.5 g

Recipe Variations

Since I typically assemble this salad using whatever I have available in the kitchen, each batch turns out uniquely delicious. Over time, I've experimented with numerous tweaks, and here are some of my most successful adaptations-or feel free to invent your own customizations to match your cravings.

• Incorporate pepperoncini peppers or banana peppers to introduce an extra layer of spicy zest.
• For a meat-free version, replace the salami with canned or roasted chickpeas to maintain that protein punch.
• Experiment with provolone cheese in place of the mozzarella for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Opt for sopressata or thinly sliced prosciutto as an alternative to the Genoa salami for varied texture and taste.
• Mix in some radicchio or butter lettuce alongside the romaine for added color and bitterness.
• Include chopped hard-boiled eggs to boost the protein content even further.
• Enhance with briny olives or chewy sun-dried tomatoes for Mediterranean flair.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile Italian chopped salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses, such as pasta dishes, grilled proteins, or hearty sandwiches. It also shines as a standalone lunch when accompanied by a slice of crusty artisan bread. Consider these lean protein accompaniments to round out your meal perfectly: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken, Parmesan-Basil Air Fryer Salmon, Grilled Chicken with Spinach and Mozzarella, or Perfect Air Fryer Shrimp. Each of these options complements the salad's fresh flavors without overpowering them, creating balanced and satisfying meals in minimal time.

Proper Storage

For the best enjoyment, consume this salad immediately after preparation when it's at its crunchiest and most flavorful. If storage is necessary, keep the undressed vegetables separated in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. Dress and add the toppings only right before serving to preserve freshness. Once fully assembled, any leftovers can be refrigerated for about one day, though the greens may soften and wilt slightly over time.