Description
A vibrant Italian-inspired chopped salad bursting with fresh romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, tangy red onion, briny olives, spicy pepperoncini, creamy mozzarella pearls, and hearty chickpeas, all tossed in a zesty homemade Italian dressing made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon, garlic, and herbs. This refreshing salad makes a perfect light lunch, side dish, or crowd-pleasing starter.
Ingredients
Salad
- 5 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely sliced
- 1/2 cup black or Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini, sliced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls
- 1/3 cup chickpeas, drained
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup Parmesan, shaved or grated
Italian Dressing
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp honey
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely sliced red onion, olives, sliced pepperoncini, mozzarella pearls, drained chickpeas, chopped fresh parsley, and shaved or grated Parmesan cheese. Toss them gently to distribute evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, honey, and a pinch of salt and black pepper until the mixture is fully emulsified and smooth.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared Italian dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.
- Toss to Coat: Gently toss the salad until all components are evenly coated with the zesty dressing, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad fresh to enjoy the crispness of the lettuce and brightness of the dressing at its best.
Notes
- For added protein, consider topping the salad with grilled chicken, salami, or turkey slices.
- To keep this recipe vegetarian, maintain the chickpeas and omit any meat additions.
- You can prepare the Italian dressing ahead of time and store it refrigerated for up to 5 days to save time on busy days.
- Add the dressing to the salad just before serving to preserve the crispness of the romaine lettuce and overall freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Lunch, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
