A delightful blend of flavors and textures inspired by the classic Italian chopped sandwich. This salad combines crisp veggies, hearty proteins, and a zesty dressing, making it a perfect meal prep option or a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 bell pepper (any color), diced
½ cup red onion, finely chopped
1 cup cucumber, diced
½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
½ cup mozzarella balls, halved (or diced mozzarella)
1 cup cooked deli meats (salami, capicola, or turkey), diced
½ cup fresh basil, chopped
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, diced cucumber, sliced olives, and halved mozzarella balls. Make sure to wash and dry your vegetables thoroughly.
Gently fold in the diced deli meats, ensuring everything is distributed evenly throughout the salad.
In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to coat all ingredients thoroughly with the dressing.
Add the chopped fresh basil to the salad and give it a final toss.
Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Enjoy immediately for the freshest taste!
