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.
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.
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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.)
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.
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 Chopped Salad Recipe Video
Italian Chopped Salad
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
- 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!
- 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!
How long will the beans and dressing last in the fridge? Would like leftovers. Sounds delish!
Hi Molly! Your marinated beans will last for up to a week in the fridge and get more flavorful each day. Enjoy!!
An Italian or antipasto salad is a favorite and I love serving it when we have guests. Your version sounds delicious.
Thanks so much, Karen!
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!
Yay! I hope he loves it, Leanne!
There is something about salami and provolone in a salad! FAbulousness.
So true! Thank you, Mimi!
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!!
Thank you, Joanne!
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!
Love to hear that, Mary Ann! I'm the same way about Italian food...so good!
Marissa, this salad looks delicious and so full of wonderful flavors! I love a good, hearty salad!
Thank you, Kelly!
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!
aww, thanks so much, Annie!