Easy Italian Chopped Salad
A vibrant and nutritious dish that combines crisp Romaine lettuce with fresh vegetables, olives, and mozzarella cheese, all tossed in a zesty dressing.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 head Romaine lettuce, chopped; can substitute with mixed greens.
- 1 Cucumber, diced; you can use English cucumber for a sweeter flavor.
- 1 Bell pepper, red or yellow; adds color and sweetness.
- 1 pint Cherry tomatoes, halved; grape tomatoes are also a good option.
- 1/4 Red onion, finely chopped; for milder flavor, soak in cold water.
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced; substitute with green olives if desired.
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, cubed; fresh mozzarella enhances the salad's creaminess.
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Olive oil, extra virgin is recommended for flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Red wine vinegar; for a tangy kick; apple cider vinegar can be used as an alternative.
- Salt and pepper to taste; freshly cracked pepper elevates the flavor.
- Italian seasoning to taste; a blend of dried herbs adds depth to the dressing.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped Romaine lettuce, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, and cubed mozzarella cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until well blended.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl and toss gently to combine all elements evenly.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Notes
Use fresh, crisp vegetables to enhance the texture of the salad. For added flavor depth, marinate the red onion in vinegar before adding it to the salad. Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or parsley to elevate your salad's fresh appeal.