Name: Italian Chop-chop Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ cup cucumber, diced; ½ cup red bell pepper, diced; ½ cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed; ½ cup salami, chopped; ½ cup provolone cheese, diced; ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped; ¼ cup black olives, sliced; ¼ cup pepperoncini, sliced; ⅓ cup Italian dressing; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)

There's something so satisfying about a big, vibrant bowl of Italian Chop-Chop Salad. Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, zesty pepperoncini, and savory meats come together in a colorful, flavor-packed dish that's as fun to eat as it is delicious.

I first tried this salad at a small family-owned trattoria in Rome, where every bite was bursting with fresh, bold flavors. Since then, it has become my go-to for a quick yet impressive meal—perfect for busy weeknights or as a refreshing side at summer gatherings. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this Italian classic!

Why You’ll Love This Italian Chop-Chop Salad

Get ready to meet your new favorite salad! This Italian Chop-Chop Salad is loaded with texture, flavor, and plenty of crave-worthy ingredients.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple chops and a quick toss, you’ll have a restaurant-quality salad ready in minutes—no complicated steps required!

It’s also a great meal-prep option. The sturdy ingredients hold up well in the fridge, making it a fantastic make-ahead lunch or dinner side that stays crisp and delicious.

This salad is endlessly customizable. Whether you prefer extra cheese, more veggies, or a little heat from extra pepperoncini, you can adjust it to fit your taste perfectly.

Best of all, it’s packed with bold, classic Italian flavors. The combination of tangy vinaigrette, salty salami, and creamy mozzarella ensures that every bite is full of delicious contrast.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Italian Chop-Chop Salad comes from its fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making the dish flavorful, crunchy, and satisfying.

Romaine lettuce is the perfect base for this salad. Its crisp texture holds up well under the dressing, ensuring every bite stays fresh and crunchy. You can also mix in iceberg or radicchio for added variety.

Cherry tomatoes add a pop of sweetness and juiciness. Halve them to release their natural juices, which blend beautifully with the dressing.

Pepperoncini peppers bring a subtle tangy heat that balances the richness of the meats and cheese. If you love a little extra spice, add some chopped banana peppers or red pepper flakes.

Salami and provolone cheese give this salad its signature Italian deli flavor. Chop both into small cubes so you get a little bit of everything in each bite. You can swap in turkey, ham, or even grilled chicken for a lighter version.

The dressing is a simple yet powerful mix of olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. It coats every ingredient in a flavorful, zesty finish that ties the salad together beautifully.

How To Make This Italian Chop-Chop Salad

Making this salad is as easy as chop, toss, and serve! Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting the perfect balance of flavors in every bite.

Start by preparing your ingredients. Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large bowl. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, drain the pepperoncini, and dice the salami and provolone into small cubes.

Next, make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a blend of Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until emulsified, creating a tangy, well-balanced vinaigrette.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together. Be sure every ingredient is coated evenly—this ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

For the best experience, let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This short resting time allows the flavors to meld together, making the salad even more delicious.

Storage Options

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers for later if needed.

For short-term storage, keep the undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you’ve already added the dressing, it will still be good for about 24 hours, though the lettuce may soften.

To store the dressing separately, place it in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week. Just shake well before using!

If you’re meal-prepping, assemble the salad ingredients in individual containers without dressing. Add the dressing just before eating to maintain that crisp, fresh texture.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Italian Chop-Chop Salad is how easily you can customize it. Here are a few delicious variations to try:

Add protein by tossing in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. This turns the salad into a heartier meal, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Try a different cheese if provolone isn’t your favorite. Fresh mozzarella, Parmesan shavings, or even feta can add a unique twist to the classic flavors.

Make it vegetarian by skipping the salami and adding more veggies like cucumbers, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts for extra texture and flavor.

Use a creamy dressing for a different flavor profile. Instead of vinaigrette, try a Caesar or creamy Italian dressing for a rich, indulgent variation.

Serve it differently by turning it into a chopped wrap or stuffing it into a pita for an on-the-go meal that’s just as delicious!

No matter how you make it, this Italian Chop-Chop Salad is guaranteed to be a hit. Experiment with your favorite ingredients and find the perfect combination that keeps you coming back for more!