There's something incredibly satisfying about a big, bold Italian Chop-Chop Salad. Crisp romaine, crunchy cucumbers, and vibrant cherry tomatoes come together in a medley of flavors and textures, perfectly complemented by tangy vinaigrette and savory cured meats. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or the perfect side dish, this salad is sure to hit the spot.

I first discovered this recipe while traveling through Italy, where fresh, simple ingredients take center stage. Inspired by the classic chopped salads I enjoyed at local trattorias, I recreated my own version that’s easy to make at home. It’s packed with protein, loaded with fresh veggies, and bursting with Italian flavors that make every bite irresistible.
Why You'll Love This Italian Chop-Chop Salad
This isn’t just any salad—it’s a meal in itself, full of bold flavors and textures that make it utterly satisfying.
First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a bit of chopping and tossing, you’ll have a hearty, restaurant-quality salad in no time.
Second, it’s packed with protein. Thanks to ingredients like salami, mozzarella, and chickpeas, this salad will keep you full and energized for hours.
It’s also perfect for meal prep. Since it holds up well in the fridge, you can make a big batch and enjoy it for days without losing its crunch or flavor.
And finally, it’s highly customizable. Swap in different meats, cheeses, or veggies based on what you have on hand—you can’t go wrong!
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Italian Chop-Chop Salad lies in its fresh and flavorful ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this salad so special.
Romaine lettuce forms the crisp base of this salad. I love using romaine for its sturdy texture, but you can also mix in some iceberg or arugula for added variety.
Cherry tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness and acidity that balances out the savory elements. Be sure to use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.
Cured meats like salami or pepperoni add a punch of bold, salty goodness. Opt for high-quality Italian meats to give this salad its signature flavor.
Fresh mozzarella provides a creamy, mild contrast to the other ingredients. You can use small mozzarella pearls or dice up a fresh mozzarella ball.
A tangy homemade vinaigrette ties everything together. A mix of olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and Italian herbs creates the perfect balance of acidity and richness.
To make preparation easier, be sure to have a sharp knife and a large salad bowl on hand for tossing everything together seamlessly.
How To Make This Italian Chop-Chop Salad

Creating this flavorful salad is quick and simple—just a bit of chopping and tossing, and you’re ready to enjoy.
Start by preparing your vegetables. Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and slice the cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions thinly. Place them all in a large bowl.
Next, dice the salami and mozzarella into small, uniform pieces. You want everything to be evenly distributed so you get a little of everything in each bite.
For the vinaigrette, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and dried Italian seasoning. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss everything together until well coated. Make sure each piece gets a bit of that delicious dressing for maximum flavor.
Finally, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top and serve immediately for the best texture and taste. If making ahead, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving.
Storage Options
If you plan to enjoy this salad over multiple days, you’re in luck—it stores beautifully with just a few adjustments.
For the best freshness, store the chopped ingredients separately from the dressing in an airtight container. This prevents the lettuce from wilting and keeps everything crisp.
Dressed salad will stay fresh for about 24 hours in the fridge, but if storing undressed, it can last up to 3-4 days.
To keep the mozzarella from getting too soft, store it separately and add it just before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this Italian Chop-Chop Salad is how versatile it is. Here are a few ways to change things up:
Swap the protein: Not a fan of salami? Try grilled chicken, turkey, or even canned tuna for a different take.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and add more chickpeas or some marinated artichokes for a plant-based twist.
Try a different cheese: Instead of mozzarella, try provolone, feta, or shaved Parmesan for a unique flavor.
Use a creamy dressing: While the vinaigrette keeps things light, a creamy Italian dressing or Caesar dressing can add a richer taste.
No matter how you customize it, this Italian Chop-Chop Salad is sure to be a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
PrintItalian Chop-chop Salad Recipe
This Italian chop-chop salad is packed with fresh vegetables, savory salami, and tangy Italian dressing, making it a perfect appetizer or main dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Chopped
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup radicchio, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup pepperoncini, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella, diced
- ½ cup salami, diced
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine romaine, radicchio, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, chickpeas, olives, and pepperoncini.
- Add mozzarella, salami, and Parmesan cheese. Toss to mix.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Substitute salami with turkey for a lighter option.
- Best served fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
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