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italian chopped salad featured

Classic Italian Chopped Salad with Herbed Red Wine Vinaigrette

A vibrant, flavor-packed Italian chopped salad featuring crisp romaine, colorful vegetables, Italian meats and cheese, all tossed in a tangy homemade red wine vinaigrette.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Green Salads
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 romaine hearts, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup radicchio, chopped
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 small cucumber quartered and sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 2 carrots peeled and diced
  • 4 ounces provolone cheese diced
  • 4 ounces salami diced
  • 1/2 cup pepperoncini sliced
  • 1/3 cup pitted Kalamata olives halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley chopped
For the Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves pressed
  • 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Pinch ground black pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil

Equipment

  • Large salad bowl
  • Whisk
  • Garlic press

Method
 

  1. Combine all chopped salad ingredients in a large bowl and refrigerate while preparing the vinaigrette.
  2. For the vinaigrette, whisk together red wine vinegar, pressed garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, Italian seasoning, pepper, and sugar.
  3. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is emulsified.
  4. Pour the vinaigrette over the chilled salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to coat.
  5. Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving immediately.
  6. If desired, serve with garlic toast wedges on the side.

Notes

Storage:
  • Keep undressed salad and vinaigrette separate in refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Once dressed, consume within 24 hours.
Variations:
  • Try with different lettuces, add grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal, or substitute your favorite Italian cheeses and meats.
Make Ahead:
  • Prepare all components separately and combine just before serving for optimal freshness and texture.