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Chopped Italian Salad With Zesty Vinaigrette

Chopped Italian Salad With Zesty Vinaigrette

A vibrant and satisfying Chopped Italian Salad with a zesty vinaigrette, featuring fresh ingredients like romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, salami, and a tangy dressing.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 340
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls
  • 4 ounces salami, diced
  • 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Method
 

  1. Wash and thoroughly dry the romaine lettuce. Chop it into bite-sized pieces and place in a large serving bowl.
  2. Prepare all salad ingredients: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the salami, slice the pepperoncini, halve the olives, and thinly slice the red onion. Add to the bowl with the lettuce.
  3. Add mozzarella pearls and drained chickpeas to the bowl. Chop fresh basil and sprinkle over the top. Set aside.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  5. Whisk or shake the vinaigrette until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  6. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving and toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately.

Notes

Dry your lettuce thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Assemble salad components separately until ready to serve.