This vibrant, flavorful and simple Italian Chopped Salad recipe is perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a side dish that will steal the show at any gathering. If you love my Mediterranean Chopped Salad, add this chopped salad to your list!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: It takes very little effort to toss together this delicious salad. Just like my Vegetarian Nicoise Salad, it’s great for a busy weeknight dinner or speedy lunch.
- Kids Love It: Since everything is cut into tiny pieces, this salad is easy for kids to eat and enjoy. They get a taste of every ingredient in one delicious bite.
- Versatile and Customizable: An Italian chopped salad is an easy side dish served with a Perfect Roast Chicken or can be served as the main course. Plus, you can easily add or leave out ingredients to suit your taste buds.
- La Scala Copycat: When I moved to LA, a friend introduced me to La Scala, famous for its chopped salad. This is my take on their iconic dish, but feel free to use whatever’s in your fridge to make it your own!
Chopped Salad Ingredients
- Lemony Vinaigrette: The homemade dressing you’ll make for this salad calls for dijon Mustard, lemon juice, olive oil and salt. It’s a simple and delicious tangy vinaigrette.
- Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, romaine is the perfect base for this salad. Make sure to chop it finely!
- Deli Turkey: A lean source of protein that adds a savory taste. It’s a great way to make the salad more filling.
- Salami: This classic chopped salad ingredient provides a flavorful, slightly spicy contrast to the turkey.
- Tomato: Juicy and sweet, tomatoes add a burst of freshness to the salad.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy and mild, mozzarella complements the other flavors without overpowering them.
- Canned Chickpeas: These add a hearty texture and a boost of fiber and protein, making the salad extra satisfying. They’re also known as garbanzo beans! Want some extra crunch? Roast the chickpeas in the air fryer before tossing them in the salad!
*For a full list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below*
Variations and Substitutions
- Greens: Swap romaine for arugula, radicchio or a combination for a different base.
- Protein: Substitute deli turkey and salami with grilled chicken, prosciutto, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese: Try different cheeses like parmesan cheese, feta, or provolone cheese for a new twist.
- Additions: Add olives, bell peppers, cucumbers, red onion or artichoke hearts for extra crunch and flavor.
- Dressings: If you prefer a different dressing, balsamic vinaigrette or a store bought Italian dressing would work.
How to Make Easy Italian Chopped Salad
Step 1: In a bowl or jar, whisk together the Dijon, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt.
Step 2: Place the salad ingredients in a large bowl and toss to combine.
Step 3: Drizzle the dressing on top just before serving and toss to thoroughly coat.
Tips and Tricks
- Chop Evenly: Make sure to chop all ingredients to a similar size for a consistent bite. Alternatively, all of the salad ingredients can be placed together on a cutting board and chopped using a mezzaluna or chef’s knife.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the ingredients and dressing ahead of time. Just keep them separate and toss together right before serving to keep the salad crisp. For a zippier dressing, use my Everyday Lemon Vinaigrette recipe!
- Serving Size: This recipe serves about 2-3 people as a main dish or 4-5 as a side. Adjust quantities as needed for larger gatherings. It’ll be a hit, I promise!
FAQs
Chopped salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Even better, keep the dressing separate to maintain the crispness of the lettuce.
You can chop the ingredients however you want using a chef’s knife, but I like to use a mezzaluna or a salad chopper. These tools help you achieve uniform, bite-sized pieces for each ingredient quickly and efficiently. Simply place your ingredients on a cutting board and rock the mezzaluna or chop with the salad chopper until everything is evenly chopped.
More Fresh Salads
This Italian Chopped Salad tastes as good as it looks. With fresh ingredients chopped to perfection and tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, every bite is bursting with flavor. Savory meats, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and creamy mozzarella make this salad a true delight. Whether it’s a main dish or a side, it’s sure to be a hit at your table.
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Italian Chopped Salad
Equipment
- Salad bowl
- Mezzaluna optional
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups finely chopped romaine lettuce (about 1 head)
- 1/2 cup chopped deli turkey
- 1/2 cup chopped salami
- 1 small tomato, diced (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the dijon, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt.
- Place the remaining ingredients in a large bowl and toss to combine.
- Drizzle the dressing on top just before serving and toss to thoroughly coat.
Notes
- Chop Evenly: Make sure to chop all ingredients to a similar size for a consistent bite. Alternatively, all of the salad ingredients can be placed together on a cutting board and chopped using a mezzaluna or chef’s knife.
- Serving Size: This recipe serves about 2-3 people as a main dish or 4-5 as a side. Adjust quantities as needed for larger gatherings. It’ll be a hit, I promise!
- Make Ahead: You can prep the ingredients and dressing ahead of time. Just keep them separate and toss together right before serving to keep the salad crisp.
Looks like a lunch made in heaven!
Perfect salad for tonight’s dinner.
I am a Master Chef..Work all over N.Y.C. And the Hampton’s..But i love this site…
This is my kind of salad- so awesome!
LaScala is my FAVORITE! So grateful to have this recipe.
Next time you’re in LA try LaProvence – their chopped is arguably better AND they have French Macaroons to DIE for. <3
I would have frequented your chopped salad restaurant!