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Mozzarella chopped salad—Light yet hearty and super flavorful with a zesty Italian dressing! This Italian chopped salad rivals any Italian restaurant chopped salad recipe. The salad is loaded with ham, mozzarella, tomatoes, romaine lettuce, and an Italian vinaigrette that is quick and easy to make. It’s perfect for lunch, potlucks, or dinners. Enjoy!
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Ingredients list for the Italian Mozzarella Chopped Salad Recipe
- 2 large heads romaine lettuce
- 1/2 of a medium red onion, peeled and then sliced into very thin rings
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup Mozzarella balls
- 1/4 lb (110g) good quality ham, sliced in ribbons
- 12 oz. (340g) cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced in half
- Freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt, if needed
The Italian vinaigrette
- 2-1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1-1/2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1-1/2 cups good extra-virgin olive oil
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Directions
How to make the chopped salad:
1. In a Mason jar or glass container, combine the ingredients for the Italian vinaigrette. Close the jar and shake vigorously to emulsify. You can also mix the vinaigrette with a fork.
2. For the lettuce, cut the romaine leaves vertically two or three times, from the root end to the tips of the leaves. Then make cuts crosswise into 1/2″ to 3/4″ ribbons. Discard the root end.
3. In a large bowl, add together red onion, pepperoncini, black olives, provolone, and salami. Drizzle about 1/2 cup of the Italian Vinaigrette over these ingredients, and then toss to combine.
4. Add chopped lettuce and tomatoes and toss gently to combine. Taste for seasoning and add kosher salt and/or more of the vinaigrette, if desired. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the top of the chopped Italian salad and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Tips for the Mozzarella Chopped Salad
- You can make the chopped salad dairy-free and vegan: Just omit the cheese and ham! The Italian chopped salad still tastes great without it. For a vegan dressing, simply omit parmesan.
- While we love black olives, you might want to try the chopped salad with the richer Kalamata variety.
How to prepare the chopped salad in advance
Up to a day or two ahead of time, prepare the Italian Vinaigrette and store it into your refrigerator. A few hours ahead of time, prep all Italian chopped salad ingredients. Store lettuce and sliced tomatoes in their own separate covered containers in the refrigerator. Store red onion, pepperoncini, black olives, provolone, and salami together in a covered container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, assemble the Italian chopped salad as directed above.
More salad recipes you might like:
- Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad
- Blackened Chicken and Avocado Salad
- Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Pesto, Avocado, and Tomato
- Roasted Chicken Parmesan Kale Salad
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
