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Italian Chopped Salad with Zesty Dressing

This Italian Chopped Salad is loaded with crisp veggies, salami, and mozzarella, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or as a hearty side!
Print Recipe
Photo of the Finished Italian Chopped Salad
Prep Time:20 minutes
Total Time:20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 4 cups of Romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup of cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup of cucumber diced
  • 1/2 cup of red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup of black olives pitted and sliced
  • 1/2 cup of fresh mozzarella cheese cubed
  • 1/2 cup of green bell peppers diced
  • 1/4 cup of banana peppers sliced
  • 1/4 cup of salami sliced
  • 2 tbsp of chopped fresh basil
  • 2 tbsp of chopped fresh parsley

For the Dressing

  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil preferably labeled "extra-light tasting"
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp fresh lemon juice from 1 or 2 lemons
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tbsp sugar

Instructions

  • Start by chopping and slicing all your salad ingredients.
  • In a small glass or jar, blend all the dressing ingredients together until smooth. I use an immersion blender, but a whisk works too.
  • Layer your salad ingredients in a bowl or serving dish. Layer the chopped lettuce first.
  • Then add the cherry tomatoes, green bell peppers, cucumbers, mozzarella cubes, salami slices, red onion, black olives, banana peppers, and finish with the chopped basil and parsley.
  • Pour the dressing over the top when you’re ready to serve, and that’s it!
Servings: 6
Calories: 310kcal
Author: carlycampbell