Chopped Antipasto Salad: A Flavor-Packed Italian Classic

Chopped Antipasto Salad is a vibrant, hearty dish inspired by the traditional Italian antipasto, or "before the meal," platter. This salad is brimming with fresh vegetables, savory cured meats, tangy cheeses, and flavorful olives, making it a perfect appetizer or even a light main course. It’s a great way to enjoy the bold flavors of Italian cuisine in a convenient, chopped salad form.

The beauty of this salad lies in its versatility—you can mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand, or tailor it to suit your tastes. It’s an ideal dish for picnics, potlucks, or a casual dinner, and it can be prepped ahead of time, making it a fantastic option for meal planning.

Why Chopped Antipasto Salad?

This salad combines the best of an antipasto platter into every bite. By chopping the ingredients into smaller, uniform pieces, you ensure that each forkful delivers a harmonious mix of flavors. It's a low-carb, nutrient-dense option that doesn't sacrifice taste and is incredibly easy to assemble. Plus, it’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and plenty of vitamins from the fresh vegetables.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

1/4 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced

1/2 cup salami or prosciutto, chopped

1/2 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved or cubed

1/4 cup provolone cheese, diced

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

For the Dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp dried oregano

1 garlic clove, minced

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the acidity with a little more vinegar or oil as needed. Set the dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Chop the Ingredients

Prepare all of the salad ingredients by chopping the romaine lettuce, halving the cherry tomatoes, and dicing the cucumber, roasted red peppers, and cheeses. Thinly slice the red onion, and chop the salami or prosciutto into bite-sized pieces. Place everything into a large salad bowl.

3. Add the Olives and Peppers

Mix in the Kalamata olives and pepperoncini peppers for added tang and a burst of briny flavor. You can adjust the amount of these ingredients depending on your preference for spicy and salty notes.

4. Toss with the Dressing

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad, tossing gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated. Make sure the dressing is well distributed, so that every bite of the salad is packed with flavor.

5. Serve

Serve the salad immediately, garnishing with extra oregano or grated Parmesan if desired. This salad pairs well with crusty bread or can be served on its own for a light, refreshing meal.

Tips and Variations:

Add more protein: 

For a heartier version, add sliced grilled chicken, turkey, or even marinated artichoke hearts for a vegetarian option.

Customize your veggies: 

You can add or substitute vegetables like artichoke hearts, carrots, or celery for extra crunch and variety.

Cheese options: 

If you prefer a different cheese, try swapping in Parmesan, feta, or Asiago for a new twist on the classic.

Marinated elements: 

Consider adding marinated mushrooms or sundried tomatoes for extra depth of flavor.

Why This Recipe Works:

The Chopped Antipasto Salad works because it distills the essence of a traditional Italian antipasto platter into a convenient and cohesive dish. Each ingredient brings a unique texture and flavor: the crispness of the lettuce and cucumbers, the juicy sweetness of tomatoes, the savory richness of salami and cheeses, and the bright acidity of olives and pepperoncini. The simple, tangy dressing ties everything together, enhancing the freshness and richness of the ingredients.

Conclusion:

Chopped Antipasto Salad is a crowd-pleasing, flavorful dish that combines the best of Mediterranean flavors in a healthy, easy-to-prepare salad. Whether you're serving it as a side dish or a main meal, this salad is sure to impress with its bold flavors and beautiful presentation. Perfect for entertaining or a quick weeknight meal, it brings the robust taste of Italy right to your table.

Enjoy the variety of flavors in this versatile and delicious salad!