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    Recipes » Salad Recipes » Italian Salads

    Italian Chopped Salad

    Published: May 22, 2019 · Modified: Mar 22, 2022 by Marissa Stevens · 56 Comments

    Gluten FreeMediterraneanQuick Meals

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    Italian Chopped Salad served in a white bowl

    If you asked me about the heartiest, dinner worthy salad that I make, my answer would be Italian Chopped Salad. It's lighter than a sandwich, with beans for heft rather than bread, but is equally satisfying.

    Italian Salad in a white bowl

    It's one of those recipes that has endless ingredient options. Once you work out the basics, you can always adjust it to the ingredients you have on hand.

    Jump to:
    • Recipe Options
    • More Must-Try Salad Recipes
    • How to Make Italian Chopped Salad
    • Italian Chopped Salad Recipe Video
    • Italian Chopped Salad
    • 💬 Comments
    Marinated Cannellini Beans

    Recipe Options

    My go-to combination for this salad uses kalamata olives (but Greek olives work beautifully too), cannellini beans instead of the more common chickpeas, and a dressing that's slightly more astringent than some, because I love a vinegary bite. But know that this salad is amenable to most any variety of olive, bean, cured meat or cheese that you love, so make it your own!

    • Add a zesty edge with sliced pepperoncini, Giardiniera, or marinated artichoke hearts.
    • Toss in a handful of halved cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes), torn radicchio, or thinly sliced sweet red pepper or zucchini for added flavor depth.
    • Swap in coarsely grated parmesan cheese or chunks of fresh mozzarella for the provolone.
    • Add in buttery black olives or tangy green olives in place of or in addition to kalamata olives.
    • Replace salami with pepperoni or other thinly sliced, cured meat. (Or use a combination of two or three.)
    Italian Salad Ingredients Prepped

    Serve this as a meal on its own or as a hearty side salad. And definitely note the Italian Salad Dressing (Italian vinaigrette) recipe - it's a go to for me for all kinds of green and pasta salads - especially my favorite Italian Pasta Salad. Just the right amount of smooth spice and vinegar kick!

    More Must-Try Salad Recipes

    • Strawberry Spinach Salad (So easy to make and unbelievably good!)
    • Spinach Salad (This recipe is a family heirloom that's better than jewelry!)
    • Nicoise Salad (A simple and delicious French bistro classic!)
    • Greek Salad (We eat this on repeat!)
    • Greek Farro Salad (A hearty version of the classic that's great for picnics.)
    • Caesar Salad (I worked for years to perfect this one. Please try it!)

    How to Make Italian Chopped Salad

    Step 1: Make Italian Salad Dressing: whisk vinegar, mustard, garlic, shallot and Italian seasoning together in a medium bowl. Add beans to and set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.

    stirring Italian Salad dressing into cannellini beans

    Step 2: To a large salad bowl add lettuce, provolone cheese, salami, sun dried tomatoes and beans with dressing; toss to combine and serve.

    Italian Salad ingredients in a bowl
    adding marinated beans to Italian salad
    tossing italian salad before serving

    Italian Chopped Salad Recipe Video

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    Italian Chopped Salad

    Marissa Stevens
    Feel free to play around with amounts and ingredients in this salad to make it your own! 
    5 from 8 votes
    Save Recipe Saved! Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course Main Course, Salad
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 472 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    For the Dressing:

    • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
    • 1 small clove garlic minced
    • 1 teaspoon minced shallot or red onion
    • ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
    • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
    • salt and freshly ground black pepper

    For the Salad:

    • 15 ½ ounce can cannellini beans drained (or 1 ½ cups home cooked)
    • 1 head romaine lettuce chopped
    • 4 ounces provolone cheese diced small
    • 4 ounces salami sliced into thin ribbons
    • 6 oil packed sun dried tomatoes coarsely chopped
    • 12 kalamata olives pitted and coarsely chopped

    Instructions
     

    To make the Italian dressing:

    • In a medium bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, garlic, shallot and Italian seasoning. Slowly drizzle in olive oil, whisking constantly. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

    For the salad:

    • Add cannellini beans to dressing and gently stir to combine. Let stand 10 minutes.
    • Place chopped romaine in a large salad bowl. Top with cheese, salami, sun dried tomatoes, olives and beans with dressing. Gently toss to combine ingredients and coat with dressing; serve.

    Notes

    1. Even though it adds 10 minutes, it worth it to give the beans time to marinate in dressing before tossing with the rest of the ingredients. Gives them so much flavor!
    2. Don't hesitate to swap in some of your favorite meats, cheeses, and/or beans in this recipe. Or add homemade croutons to make it heartier and more like a sandwich! Feel free to make it your own! 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 472kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 22gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 1352mgPotassium: 603mgFiber: 9gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 13985IUVitamin C: 11.1mgCalcium: 346mgIron: 4.8mg
    Keyword 4th of July, easy, gluten free, labor day, Memorial Day, picnic, summer
    Tried this recipe?I'd love to see it! Tag me on Instagram at @pinchandswirl or leave me a comment and rating below.

    More Italian Salads

    • Italian Pasta Salad
    • Italian Potato Salad
    • Heirloom Tomato Salad with Cucumber, Mozzarella and Olives

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Molly says

      September 06, 2019 at 12:46 pm

      How long will the beans and dressing last in the fridge? Would like leftovers. Sounds delish!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        September 08, 2019 at 2:07 pm

        Hi Molly! Your marinated beans will last for up to a week in the fridge and get more flavorful each day. Enjoy!!

        Reply
    2. Karen (Back Road Journal) says

      June 07, 2019 at 12:04 pm

      An Italian or antipasto salad is a favorite and I love serving it when we have guests. Your version sounds delicious.

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        June 07, 2019 at 1:32 pm

        Thanks so much, Karen!

        Reply
    3. Leanne | Crumb Top Baking says

      May 27, 2019 at 4:28 am

      5 stars
      I can't believe I've never made an Italian Salad! They always looks so flavourful, and since I have a bit of trouble finding salads my husband will enjoy, I have to make this one. I know he would love it!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        June 03, 2019 at 3:39 pm

        Yay! I hope he loves it, Leanne!

        Reply
    4. mimi rippee says

      May 25, 2019 at 3:10 pm

      There is something about salami and provolone in a salad! FAbulousness.

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        June 03, 2019 at 3:40 pm

        So true! Thank you, Mimi!

        Reply
    5. Joanne Rappos says

      May 24, 2019 at 9:24 am

      One of my hubby’s fav salads - I do it with pasta but I think I prefer it this way. A lot lighter and fresh!! Fabulous!!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        June 03, 2019 at 3:40 pm

        Thank you, Joanne!

        Reply
    6. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

      May 24, 2019 at 5:34 am

      I don't have one ounce of Italian in me unfortunately, but boy to I love anything Italian! This salad is right up my alley Marissa! Love the light dressing and the entire list of ingredients! On my list! Happy weekend!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        June 03, 2019 at 3:40 pm

        Love to hear that, Mary Ann! I'm the same way about Italian food...so good!

        Reply
    7. Kelly | Foodtasia says

      May 24, 2019 at 3:00 am

      5 stars
      Marissa, this salad looks delicious and so full of wonderful flavors! I love a good, hearty salad!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        June 03, 2019 at 3:41 pm

        Thank you, Kelly!

        Reply
    8. annie@ciaochowbambina says

      May 23, 2019 at 11:58 am

      5 stars
      We've been eating a lot of salad since our kitchen reno began and this will most definitely make it into the rotation! You know these are some of my favorite flavors!! Gorgeous meal, my friend!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        June 03, 2019 at 3:41 pm

        aww, thanks so much, Annie!

        Reply
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