Description
This Italian Chopped Salad is a vibrant and refreshing mix of crisp iceberg lettuce, slightly bitter radicchio, and juicy cherry tomatoes combined with creamy mozzarella, tangy provolone, and spicy pepperoncini. Tossed with a zesty lemon and red wine vinegar dressing infused with garlic, shallots, and oregano, this salad delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures in just 20 minutes. Ideal for a light lunch or as a side dish to any Italian meal, it serves six and brings a burst of Mediterranean freshness to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup radicchio, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup pearl mozzarella, halved
- 1/2 cup provolone cheese, diced
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini, sliced
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, red wine vinegar, finely chopped shallot, minced garlic, and dried oregano until well combined.
- Emulsify the Dressing: Slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil while continuously whisking, until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
- Season the Dressing: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and whisk again to incorporate the seasoning.
- Assemble the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced radicchio, sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and rinsed chickpeas.
- Add Cheeses and Pepperoncini: Gently fold in the pearl mozzarella halves, diced provolone cheese, and sliced pepperoncini to the vegetable mix.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing evenly over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together to coat all components with the dressing.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the tossed salad to individual serving plates or bowls and enjoy it fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, you may add toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
- Use fresh mozzarella pearls for a creamy texture that complements the crisp vegetables.
- If you prefer a spicier salad, increase the amount of pepperoncini or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- This salad is best served immediately to maintain the crispness of the lettuce and radicchio.
- Leftover salad can be stored in the refrigerator but dress right before serving to prevent sogginess.
