Italian Chopped Salad
If there’s one thing Italians do exceptionally well (besides pasta and pizza, of course), it’s crafting simple yet incredibly flavorful salads. This Italian Chopped Salad is an absolute love letter to fresh, high-quality ingredients.
With crisp greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and briny olives, every bite is bursting with Mediterranean goodness.
And let’s not forget the marinated artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes, which add depth and a little touch of indulgence. Toss it all together with a homemade tangy Italian dressing, and you’ve got a dish that feels like it came straight from a charming trattoria in the heart of Italy.
This salad is vibrant, refreshing, and full of contrasting textures that keep every forkful exciting. Whether you’re serving it as a light meal, a bold side dish, or bringing it to a potluck, it’s guaranteed to impress. The best part? It takes minutes!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to build this fresh and flavorful Italian Chopped Salad:
- 6 cups mixed greens (romaine, arugula, or a mix of both)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, quartered
- 3/4 cup Kalamata or Castelvetrano olives
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Bringing this salad together is quick and easy! Follow these simple steps:
- Prep the ingredients:
Start by thoroughly washing and drying your greens to keep them crisp. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber, and chop the sun-dried tomatoes. Quarter the marinated artichoke hearts, slice the red onion thinly, and tear the mozzarella into bite-sized pieces. Prepping everything beforehand makes assembling the salad a breeze. - Make the dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. The beauty of a homemade dressing is that you can tweak it exactly how you love it! - Assemble the salad:
In a large salad bowl, layer the mixed greens as your base. Scatter the cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, olives, mozzarella, and red onion evenly on top. You want every bite to have a little bit of everything! - Toss and serve:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad, then gently toss everything together to coat the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to overmix—you don’t want to crush those delicate ingredients! Sprinkle fresh basil and parsley on top for a final touch of brightness and flavor. - Enjoy immediately!
This salad is best served fresh while the ingredients are crisp and vibrant. Serve it as a refreshing side, or add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to turn it into a satisfying meal.
Tweaks and Additions
Looking to switch things up? Here are some delicious ways to customize your Italian Chopped Salad:
- Add crunch:
If you love a little extra texture, toss in some toasted pine nuts, croutons, or slivered almonds for a satisfying crunch. - Make it heartier:
Turn this into a protein-packed meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or even slices of prosciutto. The salty, savory addition of prosciutto pairs perfectly with the fresh ingredients! - Switch the cheese:
Fresh mozzarella is divine, but you can easily swap it for feta or shaved Parmesan for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile. - Try a different dressing:
While the homemade Italian dressing is fantastic, this salad also shines with a balsamic vinaigrette or a lemon-garlic dressing for a tangy twist. - Boost the veggies:
Roasted red peppers, avocado, or shredded carrots would be fantastic additions for more color, flavor, and nutrients. - Spice it up:
A pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of Calabrian chili oil will give your salad a subtle but addictive kick.
If you’re a fan of bold, fresh flavors and effortless meals, this Italian Chopped Salad is going to be a new favorite in your kitchen. It’s quick, customizable, and tastes like something straight out of an Italian café.
Whether you’re serving it for a light lunch, as a stunning side dish, or meal prepping for the week, you really can’t go wrong.
I’d love to hear from you! Have you tried this recipe? Do you have any favorite twists or additions? Drop a comment below and let’s talk all things salad! Buon appetito!