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- 2 cups romaine lettuce, roughly chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced into small cubes - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced into bite-sized pieces I love using fresh produce in my salads. Romaine lettuce gives a nice crunch. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness, while cucumber and bell pepper provide refreshing flavors. This mix makes each bite enjoyable. These ingredients also bring vibrant colors to the dish. - 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed thoroughly - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled into small pieces - 1/2 cup salami (optional) For protein, I like chickpeas. They make the salad filling and nutritious. Feta cheese adds a creamy, salty taste that pairs well with the veggies. If you want extra flavor, add salami. It gives a nice savory touch. - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced in half - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Kalamata olives are a must for a classic Italian taste. They add a briny kick that enhances the salad. The dressing is simple: olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard create a balanced flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For the Full Recipe, follow the steps to create this delicious salad. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful mix! Start by chopping your vegetables. This is key for a great salad. Use a sharp knife for easy cutting. Aim for uniform sizes so every bite is tasty. - For the romaine, chop it roughly into bite-sized pieces. - Halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the cucumber into small cubes. - Cut the bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Once chopped, add all the veggies to a large mixing bowl. I like to use a spatula to gently mix everything. This ensures an even distribution without bruising the greens. Next, let’s make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard. It’s important to emulsify the oil and vinegar. This means mixing them well so they blend together. - This creates a smooth dressing that coats the salad nicely. - Whisk until you see a slight change in texture. Don’t forget to add sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste! Now it’s time to combine everything. Drizzle your dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss it all together. Use a light hand to avoid bruising the lettuce. You want every piece to be coated. After tossing, gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese. This adds a creamy touch. Be careful not to break the cheese into tiny pieces. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors meld together beautifully. For the final touch, serve your salad in bowls or on a large platter. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a lovely aroma and look. This is how you create a classic Italian chopped salad, fresh and full of flavor! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Good knife skills make a big difference. To chop veggies, use a sharp knife. Hold the knife firmly, and curl your fingers under. This keeps your fingers safe. Cut the veggies into small, even pieces. This helps them mix well. Before chopping, wash all your veggies. Dry them with a towel. This step adds more flavor. For the best taste, let the chopped veggies sit for a few minutes. This way, their natural juices blend together. Letting the salad rest is key. After mixing, let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This time allows flavors to meld. The result is a more delicious salad. Always taste your salad before serving. Adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt or pepper if it needs a boost. Trust your taste buds; they know what you like! Presentation matters. Serve the salad in individual bowls for a nice touch. Or, use a large platter to share. This makes it feel special for everyone. Pair the salad with crusty bread. It adds texture and makes the meal heartier. You can also serve it with grilled meats for a complete feast. For the full recipe, check out the Italian Rustic Chopped Salad. {{image_4}} You can change the greens and veggies in your salad. Try using spinach or arugula instead of romaine. If you want a crunchier texture, use radicchio or kale. You can also switch the bell pepper. Consider using zucchini or carrots for a different taste. For cheese, feta is great, but you can try mozzarella or provolone. These cheeses add a nice creaminess. If you have a dairy allergy, consider using a vegan cheese alternative. This keeps the salad tasty while meeting your needs. Adding proteins can make your salad heartier. Grilled chicken adds flavor and makes it a meal. You could also use shrimp or tofu for a lighter option. If you prefer plant-based choices, chickpeas are already in the salad, but adding black beans can boost protein too. For a nice crunch, add nuts or seeds. Almonds and walnuts pair well and give a great texture. Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds add healthy fats and make each bite exciting. While the classic vinaigrette is fantastic, you can mix it up. Try a balsamic vinaigrette or a lemon garlic dressing for a fresh twist. If you want a creamier option, a yogurt-based dressing works well. These choices can brighten your salad and keep it fun. You can find many dressing recipes online if you want to experiment. This way, you can create a unique flavor that fits your taste perfectly. For the full recipe, check out Italian Rustic Chopped Salad. After you make the salad, store any leftovers in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh for about 2 to 3 days. If you notice wilted lettuce or bad smells, it's time to toss it. Fresh ingredients can spoil quickly, so check them often. You can freeze parts of this salad. For example, freeze chickpeas and diced bell peppers separately. Avoid freezing lettuce and tomatoes; they lose texture. When ready to eat, thaw the components in the fridge overnight. Reheat chickpeas gently in a pan or microwave. Mix everything together once warmed. To save time, prep salad ingredients in advance. Wash and chop the veggies and store them in containers. You can keep them fresh for about five days. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble your salad. This way, you enjoy a fresh meal all week long. You can easily prep the salad ahead of time. Start by chopping the veggies and storing them in separate containers. Keep the lettuce fresh by wrapping it in a damp paper towel. This helps it stay crisp. You can also make the dressing in advance. Store it in a jar in the fridge. Just mix everything together right before serving. This way, the salad tastes fresh and vibrant. Absolutely! You can mix in your favorite ingredients. Try adding grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. You can also add nuts for a crunchy texture. If you love spice, toss in some pepperoncini. Feel free to swap out the feta cheese for mozzarella or goat cheese. Make it your own and enjoy every bite. A simple vinaigrette works great. I recommend a mix of olive oil and red wine vinegar. You can add Dijon mustard for a kick. If you want store-bought options, look for Italian or Greek dressings. Just make sure they have fresh ingredients. The right dressing ties all the flavors together. The salad lasts about 2-3 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Be careful with the dressing. If you mix it in, the veggies might get soggy. To avoid this, keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating, like off smells or wilting lettuce. Enjoy your Classic Italian Chopped Salad for days! For the full recipe, check out the Italian Rustic Chopped Salad 🥗! The Classic Italian Chopped Salad is fresh, healthy, and easy to make. It shines with crisp vegetables, protein, and tasty dressing. Remember to use good chopping skills and mix well for flavor. You can also customize it with your favorite toppings. Store extras smartly to enjoy later. Experiment with different dressings to find your favorite. I hope you feel inspired to make this salad your own. Enjoy creating a delicious meal that you can share!

Classic Italian Chopped Salad

Discover the vibrant flavors of an Italian Rustic Chopped Salad that's perfect for any occasion! Packed with fresh ingredients like romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and Kalamata olives, this healthy salad is as delicious as it is colorful. Toss it with a zesty homemade dressing for a refreshing dish. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an easy and delightful way to impress your family and friends. Click through for the full recipe and indulge in this Mediterranean classic!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups romaine lettuce, roughly chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced into small cubes

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced into bite-sized pieces

1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed thoroughly

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced in half

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled into small pieces

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or substitute with apple cider vinegar)

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnishing

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, rinsed chickpeas, finely chopped red onion, and sliced Kalamata olives. Use a spatula to gently mix the ingredients together until evenly distributed.

    In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), Dijon mustard, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is well blended and slightly emulsified.

      Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly coated without bruising the delicate lettuce.

        Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese, mixing lightly to avoid breaking the cheese into too small pieces.

          Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional sea salt and black pepper if needed, to suit your preference.

            Allow the salad to sit for about 5-10 minutes at room temperature. This resting time will help the flavors meld beautifully.

              Serve the salad either in individual bowls for a personal touch or on a large platter to share with family and friends. Garnish with fresh basil leaves placed strategically on top for an aromatic and visual appeal.

                - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4