Why You’ll Love This Recipe

10 Minute Crazy-Good Italian Chopped Salad is a quick, vibrant, and satisfying dish packed with bold flavors. Crisp vegetables, savory meats, creamy cheese, and a zesty Italian dressing come together to create a salad that’s hearty enough for a main meal yet simple enough for a fast side dish. Perfect for busy days when you want something fresh and delicious without the fuss.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

romaine lettucecherry tomatoescucumberred onionpepperoncinisalami or pepperoniprovolone cheesefresh parsleyolive oilred wine vinegarDijon mustardgarlic powdersalt and pepperoregano

directions

Chop the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and pepperoncinis into bite-sized pieces.
Slice the salami or pepperoni and provolone cheese into small strips.
In a large bowl, combine the chopped vegetables, meats, and cheese.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat everything evenly.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4. Preparation time: 10 minutes Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

Add canned chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.
Substitute the provolone with mozzarella pearls or Parmesan shavings.
Use turkey or chicken breast instead of salami for a lighter option.
Throw in some olives or roasted red peppers for more Italian flavor.
Add croutons for a delightful crunch.

storage/reheating

Store any leftover salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate and toss with the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can chop all the ingredients and store them separately. Assemble and dress the salad right before serving.

Can I use a store-bought Italian dressing?
Absolutely, but homemade dressing gives the freshest flavor.

Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the meats and cheese are certified gluten-free.

Can I add pasta to make it a pasta salad?
Yes, cooked and cooled pasta like rotini would make a hearty variation.

What other meats can I use?
Prosciutto, ham, or turkey would also work great in this salad.

Conclusion

10 Minute Crazy-Good Italian Chopped Salad is the ultimate quick, fresh, and flavor-packed meal. It’s endlessly customizable and guaranteed to please any crowd, whether you’re serving it as a main course or a vibrant side. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe rotation!