Big Italian Chopped Salad

If you’re looking for a colorful, hearty dish that can brighten any meal, then you’ve found it with this Big Italian Chopped Salad! This recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years. It’s one of those dishes that makes everyone smile, whether it’s served at a casual family dinner or a festive gathering with friends. The vibrant mix of fresh vegetables and savory ingredients really brings the flavors of Italy right to your table.

What makes this salad truly special is its versatility. You can enjoy it as a main course on busy weeknights or serve it as a delightful side at potlucks and parties. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, which means you’ll have more time to spend with loved ones while still enjoying a delicious meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a bit of chopping and mixing, this salad comes together in under 35 minutes!
• Family-Friendly: Packed with flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
• Make-Ahead Option: This salad tastes even better after it sits for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or proteins for a unique twist every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create this delicious Big Italian Chopped Salad. Everything you need is easy to find and perfect for bringing out the best flavors.

For the Vinaigrette

• 1/2 cup (113ml) Italian olive oil
• 1/3 cup (76ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons (38ml) honey
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon fresh oregano (minced)
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (more to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Salad

• 1 cup ditalini pasta (cooked to al dente and cooled)
• 2 hearts romaine lettuce (chopped)
• 1 small radicchio (chopped)
• 2 celery ribs (thinly sliced)
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
• 1 small red onion (diced)
• 1 15-ounce can cannellini beans (drained, rinsed, and patted dry)
• 1 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomato halves (drained and chopped)
• 1 6.5-ounce jar marinated artichoke hearts (drained and chopped)
• 1/2 cup black olives (cut in half)
• 1/2 cup pepperoncini (sliced into rings)
• 8 ounces turkey pepperoni (cut into rounds)
• 8 ounces sharp provolone cheese (cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 1 cup chopped cucumber

Variations

One of the best things about the Big Italian Chopped Salad is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use grilled chicken or chickpeas instead of turkey pepperoni for different flavor profiles.
• Change up the greens: Try using spinach or kale instead of romaine for added nutrients.
• Add more crunch: Toss in some radishes or bell peppers for an extra pop of color and texture.
• Make it vegan: Omit the cheese and turkey pepperoni while adding avocado for creaminess.

How to Make Big Italian Chopped Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette

In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. This homemade vinaigrette will infuse your salad with flavor while keeping everything light and refreshing.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Cook the ditalini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Rinse under cold water once cooked to stop the cooking process. This step ensures your pasta doesn’t become mushy in the salad!

Step 3: Chop Your Veggies

While your pasta cools, chop up all your veggies: romaine lettuce, radicchio, celery ribs, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber – you name it! The key here is uniform pieces so that every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 4: Mix It All Together

In a large serving bowl, combine all the prepared vegetables along with the cooled pasta. Add in cannellini beans, sun-dried tomatoes, marinated artichokes, black olives, pepperoncini rings, turkey pepperoni rounds, and provolone cheese cubes. Drizzle with your homemade vinaigrette and toss everything gently but thoroughly until it’s well coated.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve immediately or let it chill in the fridge for about an hour before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully! Enjoy this vibrant Big Italian Chopped Salad as a main dish or alongside another favorite meal.

Pro Tips for Making Big Italian Chopped Salad

Making a Big Italian Chopped Salad is a breeze, but a few tips can take it from great to absolutely fantastic!

• Prep ingredients ahead of time: Chop your veggies and prepare the dressing a day in advance. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh oregano really makes a difference! It enhances the salad’s flavor profile, giving it that authentic Italian taste that dried herbs just can’t match.
• Customize your toppings: Feel free to mix and match your favorite toppings, whether it’s swapping out turkey pepperoni for grilled chicken or adding extra veggies. Personalizing adds variety and keeps things exciting.
• Chill before serving: Letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes after tossing it together allows all the flavors to blend, making every bite even more delicious.
• Make extra vinaigrette: This dressing is so good you’ll want to drizzle it on everything! Double the recipe and keep it in the fridge for up to a week for quick salads or drizzling over roasted vegetables.

How to Serve Big Italian Chopped Salad

This vibrant salad is as versatile as it is delicious. It can be served as a stand-alone dish or paired with complementary sides for a complete meal. Here are some ideas on how to present this colorful creation!

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil will add a pop of color and an aromatic touch.
• Parmesan cheese shavings: Lightly shaved Parmesan can enhance the dish’s richness without overwhelming its freshness.
• Lemon wedges: Serving lemon wedges on the side gives guests an option to brighten up their salad with an extra zing of citrus.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is always a hit! Its crunchy texture pairs perfectly with the salad’s freshness.
• Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted veggies adds warmth and complements the coolness of the salad.
• Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf with herbs offers a nutritious side that balances well with the salad’s ingredients.
• Stuffed Mini Peppers: These colorful bites stuffed with cream cheese or hummus make for a delightful appetizer that harmonizes beautifully with your main dish.

Now you’re all set to create your own Big Italian Chopped Salad experience! Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing it at a gathering, this salad promises satisfaction in every bite. Happy eating!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Big Italian Chopped Salad is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time, which makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or gatherings. With its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, it keeps well in the fridge, allowing you to enjoy it over several days.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Keep the vinaigrette separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
• Consume within 3-5 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

• This salad is not recommended for freezing, as the fresh vegetables will lose their crispness once thawed.
• If you have components like cooked pasta or beans left over, you can freeze those separately.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat this salad, as it tastes best when served cold.
• If you’ve stored leftovers with dressing mixed in, consider adding a bit more fresh vinaigrette before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making a Big Italian Chopped Salad.

Can I make a Big Italian Chopped Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this salad ahead of time. Just store the ingredients separately and combine them just before serving for optimal freshness.

What are some variations I can try with my Big Italian Chopped Salad?

Feel free to customize your salad! You can add different vegetables like bell peppers or radishes, use chickpeas instead of cannellini beans, or swap turkey pepperoni for another protein option.

How long will a Big Italian Chopped Salad last in the fridge?

Your Big Italian Chopped Salad will stay fresh for about 3-5 days when stored properly in an airtight container. Enjoy it within this timeframe!

Is a Big Italian Chopped Salad healthy?

Yes! This salad is loaded with nutritious ingredients such as fresh vegetables and beans, making it a healthy option for any meal.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this Big Italian Chopped Salad! It’s not just about eating healthy; it’s about enjoying vibrant flavors and colors on your plate. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it on a quiet night at home, this recipe is sure to bring smiles all around. Happy cooking!