A vibrant, flavor-packed Italian chopped salad loaded with cured meats, creamy cheeses, briny olives, roasted artichokes, crisp romaine, and a punchy vinaigrette—perfect as a hearty lunch or an eye-catching side for any meal. This classic antipasto salad captures the essence of an Italian deli platter in one refreshing and satisfying bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Italian Chopped Antipasto Salad is everything you want in a salad: crisp, savory, tangy, and rich with contrasting textures. It’s easy to assemble, customizable, and substantial enough to serve as a main dish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, prepping weekday lunches, or simply craving a satisfying yet fresh dish, this salad brings the best of Italian antipasti to your table in chopped, ready-to-eat form.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salad:

• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
• 1/3 cup sliced salami
• 1/3 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1/3 cup chopped provolone or sharp cheddar
• 1/3 cup green olives
• 1/3 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine, grape tomatoes, mozzarella balls, salami, pepperoni, provolone, olives, chopped artichoke hearts, and diced red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly until all ingredients are well coated.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or freshly ground black pepper as needed.
5. Serve immediately, chilled or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 as a main dish, 6–8 as a side
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian version: Omit salami and pepperoni, and add grilled vegetables or chickpeas.
• Add pasta: Mix in cooked and chilled short pasta like penne or rotini for a pasta salad twist.
• Greens swap: Use a mix of arugula, radicchio, or baby spinach with romaine for added depth.
• Balsamic vinaigrette: Substitute red wine vinegar with balsamic for a sweeter, more robust dressing.
• Spicy option: Add banana peppers, Calabrian chili paste, or crushed red pepper for heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:

• Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to avoid soggy greens.

Reheating:

• Not applicable. This salad is served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, prepare all components and store them separately. Toss with dressing just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.

What’s the best lettuce to use?

Romaine is ideal for its crisp texture, but iceberg or a mix of Italian greens also work well.

Is this salad keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in protein and fat. To make it more keto-friendly, omit tomatoes and use a sugar-free mustard.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Yes, a quality Italian vinaigrette can be used, but homemade dressing adds fresher, brighter flavor.

Can I substitute the meats?

Absolutely. Soppressata, prosciutto, or capicola are great alternatives.

What type of cheese works best?

Mozzarella, provolone, or a sharp Italian cheese like asiago or fontina are excellent options.

Is this suitable for meal prep?

Yes. Store ingredients separately and assemble just before eating for best results.

What can I serve this salad with?

It pairs well with grilled meats, lasagna, pizza, or crusty bread for a full Italian-style meal.

Can I add anchovies?

Yes, chopped anchovies or a drizzle of anchovy paste can add a salty, umami kick.

How can I make it dairy-free?

Omit the cheese or substitute with a dairy-free alternative.

Conclusion

Italian Chopped Antipasto Salad is a bold, colorful, and satisfying dish that brings together the best of Italian deli flavors in a fresh, modern format. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s a go-to salad for entertaining, picnics, or hearty lunches. With every bite offering a mix of creamy, salty, tangy, and crunchy elements, this salad is guaranteed to impress and delight.

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