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A colorful Italian Chopped Salad with ribbons of lettuce, salami, and provolone on a white platter.
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Bold and Bright: The Best Italian Chopped Salad Recipe

Prep Time30 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 545kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 small head iceberg lettuce, cored and shredded into 1/4-inch ribbons
  • 1 medium head radicchio, cored and shredded into 1/4-inch ribbons
  • 1/2 small red onion, sliced paper-thin and soaked in ice water for 10 minutes
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved and seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and dried
  • 4 ounces aged provolone cheese, sliced 1/8-inch thick and cut into 1/4-inch ribbons
  • 4 ounces Genoa salami, sliced 1/8-inch thick and cut into 1/4-inch ribbons
  • 1/4 cup pickled pepperoncini, stemmed and thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup extra -virgin olive oil
  • 2.5 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons high -quality dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 medium cloves garlic (1 smashed, 1 finely grated)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Prepare the Oregano Vinaigrette: In a medium bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons dried oregano, lemon juice, smashed garlic clove, grated garlic, salt, and black pepper. Let sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the dried oregano to bloom.
  • Emulsify the Dressing: Slowly whisk the extra-virgin olive oil into the vinegar mixture in a steady stream until fully emulsified. Discard the smashed garlic clove before dressing the salad.
  • Prep Vegetables: Drain the sliced red onions from the ice water and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season the halved cherry tomatoes with salt and let them sit for 5 minutes to release their juices.
  • Assemble the Base: In a very large mixing bowl, combine the shredded iceberg lettuce, shredded radicchio, dried red onions, salted cherry tomatoes (with juices), chickpeas, provolone ribbons, salami ribbons, and pepperoncini.
  • Dress and Season: Drizzle approximately 1/2 cup of the prepared vinaigrette over the salad. Toss vigorously using salad tongs or clean hands to ensure every ribbon of lettuce is coated.
  • Final Finish: Taste for seasoning; add an additional squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of salt if needed. Transfer to a chilled platter, piling the salad high. Garnish with a final sprinkle of dried oregano and serve immediately.