Best Chopped Italian Salad with Zesty Italian Dressing

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This hearty Italian Chopped Salad with Zesty Dressing that is the perfect mix of healthy and satisfying. Whether you’re craving a healthy dinner option or a dish that’s quick to prepare, this salad has you covered. Get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!

Italian Chopped Salad Recipe 33 - This hearty Italian Chopped Salad with Zesty Dressing that is the perfect mix of healthy and satisfying. Whether you’re craving a healthy dinner option or a dish that’s quick to prepare, this salad has you covered. Get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!

If you’re in the mood for a satisfying, flavor-packed salad that feels like a full meal, this Chopped Italian Salad with Zesty Dressing is just the thing. Packed with crunchy veggies, savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and a bold, tangy dressing, it’s perfect for those nights when you want something light yet filling. Plus, it’s a breeze to whip up, making it ideal for busy evenings or lazy weekends.

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Italian Chopped Salad with Zesty Dressing - This hearty Italian Chopped Salad with Zesty Dressing that is the perfect mix of healthy and satisfying. Whether you’re craving a healthy dinner option or a dish that’s quick to prepare, this salad has you covered. Get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!

This Chopped Italian Salad isn’t just about convenience—it’s a feast for the taste buds. The combination of fresh herbs, crisp lettuce, and a zingy homemade dressing makes every bite exciting. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or alongside a favorite pasta dish, this salad will have everyone at the table raving. Let’s dig into what makes this dish so special!

Why you’ll love this easy salad recipe

  • Quick and simple: Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal prep.
  • Customizable: Swap or add ingredients to suit your taste.
  • Great for meal prep: It stores well, making it perfect for make-ahead lunches or dinners.
  • Balanced flavors: The tangy dressing ties together the fresh veggies, creamy cheese, and savory meats.

RELATED: Quinoa and Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing – golden roasted cauliflower, fresh greens, crunchy almonds, and a tangy, creamy dressing that ties it all together. Bonus: this salad is gluten-free, packed with veggies, and perfect for meal prep or your next dinner party.

Italian Chopped Salad Recipe 30 - This hearty Italian Chopped Salad with Zesty Dressing that is the perfect mix of healthy and satisfying. Whether you’re craving a healthy dinner option or a dish that’s quick to prepare, this salad has you covered. Get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!

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Ingredients you’ll need

For the Chopped Italian salad

  • 4 cups of Romaine lettuce, chopped
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Cucumber, diced
  • Red onion, thinly sliced
  • Black olives, pitted and sliced
  • Fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
  • Green bell peppers, diced
  • Banana peppers, sliced
  • Salami, sliced
  • Chopped fresh basil
  • Chopped fresh parsley

For the Zesty Italian dressing

  • Extra-virgin olive oil, preferably labeled “extra-light tasting”
  • Red wine vinegar
  • ·Garlic clove, minced
  • Dijon mustard
  • Fresh lemon juice (from 1 or 2 lemons)
  • Dried oregano
  • Sea salt & freshly cracked black pepper
  • Sugar

Be sure to check out the full ingredient list and printable recipe in the recipe card below.

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How to make this Chopped Italian Salad recipe

  1. Chop your veggies and other ingredients. Aim for uniform pieces to get a balanced mix in every bite.
Italian Chopped Salad Recipe 1 - This hearty Italian Chopped Salad with Zesty Dressing that is the perfect mix of healthy and satisfying. Whether you’re craving a healthy dinner option or a dish that’s quick to prepare, this salad has you covered. Get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!
  1. Prepare the dressing. Blend all the ingredients until smooth and well combined.
Italian Chopped Salad Recipe 11 - This hearty Italian Chopped Salad with Zesty Dressing that is the perfect mix of healthy and satisfying. Whether you’re craving a healthy dinner option or a dish that’s quick to prepare, this salad has you covered. Get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!
  1. Assemble the salad. Start with the lettuce and layer on the rest of the ingredients.
  1. Drizzle with dressing. Toss everything gently to coat, or serve the dressing on the side.
Italian Chopped Salad Recipe 32 - This hearty Italian Chopped Salad with Zesty Dressing that is the perfect mix of healthy and satisfying. Whether you’re craving a healthy dinner option or a dish that’s quick to prepare, this salad has you covered. Get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!

Make this Chopped Italian Salad, then check out my Montreal Steak Salad with Pears, Cranberries and Honey Mustard Dressing, Roasted Asparagus Caesar Salad, and Classic Waldorf Salad and more of my healthy salad dressing recipes.  

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TIPS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Read on for tips and substitution ideas on how to make this recipe, such as how to customize this salad, and how to store this salad.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for up to a week.

What can I substitute for salami?

Try grilled chicken, turkey, or skip it for a vegetarian option.

Is there a lower-calorie option for the dressing?

Reduce the oil and add a splash of water or more lemon juice for a lighter version.

What other greens can I use?

Arugula, kale, or spinach make great alternatives to romaine.

How do I make this salad gluten-free?

This Chopped Italian Salad is already gluten-free! Just check that your mustard and salami are labeled gluten-free.

How do I store leftover Chopped Salad?

If you plan to store leftovers, keep the dressing separate to prevent the salad from getting soggy. Store the salad in an airtight container and the dressing in a jar in the fridge. Toss together right before serving.

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Italian Chopped Salad Recipe 33 - This hearty Italian Chopped Salad with Zesty Dressing that is the perfect mix of healthy and satisfying. Whether you’re craving a healthy dinner option or a dish that’s quick to prepare, this salad has you covered. Get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!

A hearty Italian Chopped Salad with Zesty Dressing is the perfect mix of fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re craving a healthy dinner option or a dish that’s quick to prepare, this salad has you covered. Get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!

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Other Hearty Dinner Salads to try

Yield: 2 Large or 4 Small Servings

Italian Chopped Salad with Zesty Italian Dressing Recipe

Italian Chopped Salad with Zesty Italian Dressing Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 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 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil
  • 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley

For the Zesty Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, preferably labeled "extra-light tasting"
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 or 2 lemons)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions

  1. Begin by chopping, dicing, and slicing the ingredients listed in the salad ingredients section.
  2. In a deep glass, combine all the dressing ingredients and use an immersion blender to mix them thoroughly.
  3. Assemble the salad by layering it in the following order: start with the chopped lettuce, followed by the halved cherry tomatoes, diced green bell peppers, diced cucumbers, cubed mozzarella cheese, sliced salami, thinly sliced red onions, sliced black olives, banana peppers, and the chopped basil and parsley.
  4. Finish by topping the layered salad with the prepared zesty dressing.

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