This Italian Chopped Salad combines crisp romaine and iceberg lettuce with chickpeas, Golfetta salami, artichokes, red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmigiano Reggiano, all tossed in a creamy homemade honey Dijon vinaigrette.
🥗 A Fresh Italian Market Favorite: Chef Vinny of Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace shows you how to make a crisp Italian Chopped Salad with Golfetta salami, chickpeas, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmigiano Reggiano, and a homemade honey Dijon dressing.
Quick Answer: Italian Chopped Salad is made by combining chopped romaine and iceberg lettuce with chickpeas, thinly sliced Golfetta salami, artichokes, red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmigiano Reggiano. The salad is tossed with an emulsified dressing made from olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and grated cheese.
Chickpeas – 1 cup
Golfetta salami – ¼ lb, thinly sliced and cut into ribbons
Stem-on artichokes – 3, sliced
Red onion – ½, sliced
Sun-dried tomatoes – ¼ cup, sliced
Romaine lettuce – 1 head, sliced
Iceberg lettuce – 1 head, sliced
Olive oil – 1 cup
Red wine vinegar – ¼ cup
Honey – 2 tbsp
Dijon mustard – 2 tbsp
Salt – ½ tsp
Black pepper – ¼ tsp
Parmigiano Reggiano – ½ cup
INSTRUCTIONS
Make the Dressing
Step 1: Add the Dijon mustard, honey, and red wine vinegar to a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Whisk until the mustard, honey, and vinegar are fully blended.
Step 3: Slowly add the olive oil while continuing to whisk.
Step 4: Add the salt, black pepper, and Parmigiano Reggiano.
Step 5: Continue whisking until the cheese is incorporated and the dressing has emulsified.
Season the Chickpeas
Step 6: Place the chickpeas in a small bowl.
Step 7: Add 3 tablespoons of the prepared dressing, mix well, and set aside.
Assemble the Salad
Step 8: Place the sliced romaine and iceberg lettuce in a large mixing bowl.
Step 9: Add half of the Golfetta salami, artichokes, red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmigiano Reggiano, and dressed chickpeas.
Step 10: Add the desired amount of dressing and toss until the lettuce and ingredients are evenly coated.
Finish & Serve
Step 11: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or platter.
Step 12: Top the salad with the remaining salami, artichokes, red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, cheese, and chickpeas. Serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Chopped Salad
Loaded with Italian Flavor: Golfetta salami, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, chickpeas, and Parmigiano Reggiano give every bite a savory Italian market flavor.
Crisp and Satisfying: A combination of romaine and iceberg lettuce creates a fresh, crunchy base that holds up well to the hearty toppings and creamy dressing.
Homemade Dressing: The honey Dijon vinaigrette balances tangy red wine vinegar, rich olive oil, sweet honey, sharp mustard, and grated Parmigiano Reggiano.
Perfect as a Meal or Side: Serve this salad as a satisfying lunch, a light dinner, or a flavorful side dish with your favorite Italian entrée.
Beautiful Presentation: Tossing half of the toppings into the salad and arranging the rest on top gives the finished dish an abundant, restaurant-style appearance.
Everything You Need is at Uncle Giuseppe’s: Shop fresh lettuce, Italian salami, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmigiano Reggiano, and everything else you need for this recipe at Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace.
Tips for the Best Italian Chopped Salad
Dry the Lettuce Thoroughly: After washing the romaine and iceberg lettuce, dry them well so the dressing coats the leaves instead of becoming diluted.
Slice Everything Evenly: Thin, bite-size pieces make it easier to get lettuce, salami, vegetables, chickpeas, and cheese in every forkful.
Add the Oil Slowly: Pouring the olive oil into the dressing in a slow stream while whisking helps create a smooth, properly emulsified vinaigrette.
Dress the Chickpeas Separately: Letting the chickpeas sit briefly in the dressing gives them more flavor before they are added to the salad.
Dress Just Before Serving: Toss the salad shortly before serving so the lettuce remains crisp and fresh.
Reserve Toppings for the Finish: Adding half of the ingredients after tossing creates a more colorful and appetizing presentation.
How to Emulsify the Dressing
Start with the Mustard: Dijon mustard helps bind the vinegar and olive oil together while adding tangy flavor.
Whisk the Base First: Blend the Dijon mustard, honey, and red wine vinegar completely before adding the oil.
Use a Slow Stream: Add the olive oil gradually while whisking continuously to prevent the dressing from separating.
Add the Cheese Last: Whisk in the Parmigiano Reggiano after the oil has been incorporated so it blends evenly throughout the dressing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Italian Chopped Salad as a light lunch, a satisfying dinner salad, or a side dish with pizza, pasta, grilled chicken, steak, seafood, sandwiches, or other Italian favorites. It is also a great addition to holiday meals, barbecues, parties, and family-style gatherings.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Prepare the Dressing Ahead: The dressing can be prepared in advance and refrigerated in a sealed container. Whisk or shake it well before using.
Prep the Toppings Separately: Slice the salami, artichokes, onion, and sun-dried tomatoes ahead of time and store them in separate airtight containers.
Keep the Lettuce Dry: Store washed and dried lettuce in a sealed container lined with a paper towel to help preserve its crisp texture.
Wait to Toss: Do not add the dressing until shortly before serving, since dressed lettuce will soften during storage.
Store Leftovers Cold: Refrigerate leftover salad in an airtight container and enjoy it as soon as possible. The texture will be best on the day it is prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in an Italian Chopped Salad?
This Italian Chopped Salad contains romaine, iceberg lettuce, chickpeas, Golfetta salami, artichokes, red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmigiano Reggiano.
What dressing is used on Italian Chopped Salad?
This recipe uses a homemade dressing made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and Parmigiano Reggiano.
What is Golfetta salami?
Golfetta is an Italian-style salami with a mild, savory flavor. In this recipe, it is sliced thinly and cut into ribbons so it mixes easily throughout the salad.
Can I make Italian Chopped Salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the dressing, lettuce, and toppings in advance, but keep them separate and toss the salad shortly before serving.
How do I keep chopped salad from becoming soggy?
Dry the lettuce thoroughly, store the dressing separately, and wait to toss the salad until you are ready to serve it.
Can Italian Chopped Salad be served as a main dish?
Yes. The salami, chickpeas, cheese, vegetables, and lettuce make it substantial enough for a light lunch or dinner.
Can I use the dressing on other salads?
Yes. The honey Dijon and Parmigiano Reggiano dressing can also be used on green salads, pasta salads, grain bowls, and roasted vegetables.
Where can I buy the ingredients?
Look for Golfetta salami, Parmigiano Reggiano, fresh produce, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, and the other ingredients for this recipe at Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace.
Ready to create this delicious recipe? Find every authentic ingredient you need at Uncle Giuseppe's Marketplace — Long Island, Westchester, and New Jersey's premier destination for Italian specialty foods, farm-fresh produce, artisan cheeses, premium meats, and gourmet ingredients since 1998.
Why Shop Uncle G's for Your Recipe Ingredients?
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About Uncle Giuseppe's Marketplace: Family-owned and operated since 1998, Uncle Giuseppe's has been the trusted source for authentic Italian specialty foods, premium groceries, and exceptional customer service across Long Island, Westchester County, and New Jersey. From our butcher shop and seafood counter to our artisan bakery and prepared foods department, we're committed to bringing you the finest ingredients and an unforgettable shopping experience.
💡 Pro Tip: Looking for a specific ingredient for this recipe? Call your nearest Uncle Giuseppe's location and our knowledgeable staff will help you find exactly what you need or suggest the perfect substitute!
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