Bright and Flavorful Italian Chopped Salad
Dive into this Easy Italian Chopped Salad With Pepperoni, Mozzarella, and a Tangy Red Wine Vinaigrette Everyone Loves. Bursting with freshness from crisp Romaine and juicy tomatoes, the salad is enhanced by savory pepperoni and creamy mozzarella, all drizzled with a zesty dressing that brightens each bite. Perfect for warm days or as a hearty side.
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/3 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine chopped Romaine, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Add sliced pepperoni, mozzarella balls, black olives, and chopped basil to the vegetable mix.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve immediately, or let chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil or a sprinkle of cheese if desired.
Notes
For best results, store the dressing separately if you plan to keep leftovers. This salad is great for meal prep, just toss before serving and enjoy!