Description
Crisp and zesty italian chop-chop salad delivers a Mediterranean medley of fresh ingredients. Chopped vegetables, herbs, and protein blend seamlessly for a refreshing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
Proteins and Cheeses:
- 1/2 cup salami, chopped
- 1/2 cup ham, chopped
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, diced
- 1/2 cup provolone cheese, diced
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Vegetable and Garnish Ingredients:
- 1/2 red onion, finely sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Arrange crisp romaine lettuce as the foundational layer in a spacious mixing vessel.
- Scatter vibrant cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, briny black olives, and diced cucumber across the lettuce base.
- Add roasted red peppers for a smoky accent, then generously distribute mozzarella and provolone cheese cubes.
- Incorporate sliced salami and ham to introduce robust protein elements.
- Sprinkle pepperoncini for a tangy kick and tear fresh basil leaves to enhance aromatic complexity.
- Prepare the vinaigrette by whisking olive oil with red wine vinegar until smoothly integrated.
- Blend Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked pepper into the liquid mixture.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad, gently tossing to ensure each ingredient receives an even coating.
- Finish by showering the salad with finely grated parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately to maintain crisp textures and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Customize this salad by swapping meats for vegetarian protein like grilled tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based version.
- Slice vegetables uniformly to ensure each bite has balanced texture and flavor distribution.
- Chill ingredients beforehand to keep the salad crisp and refreshing, especially during warm summer days.
- Make dressing ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg