Italian Chopped Salad
This delicious Italian Chopped Salad is colorful, fresh, and packed with flavor! It’s quick and easy to make!
Ingredients:
* 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
* 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1 cucumber, diced
* 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
* ½ red onion, finely chopped
* 1 cup salami or pepperoni, diced
* 1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
* ½ cup black olives, sliced
* ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
* ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Dressing:
* ¼ cup olive oil
* 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Combine chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, salami or pepperoni, mozzarella balls, black olives, and parsley in a large bowl.
2. Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well to evenly coat all the ingredients.
4. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Additional Tips:
1. Feel free to customize the salad by adding other ingredients like artichoke hearts, chickpeas, or different types of cheese.
2. This salad is great as a side dish or can be a light meal on its own.
3. Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture.
4. Add avocado for extra richness.
5. For more crunch, include croutons or toasted nuts.
6. Swap the salami for grilled chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
7. Let the salad sit for 10 minutes after tossing to allow flavors to meld.
Enjoy your Italian Chopped Salad!