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Make a flavorful single serve Italian Chopped Salad just for you, quickly and easily. This salad combines fresh lettuce, sharp red onions, juicy tomatoes, filling chickpeas, and traditional Italian meats like salami and ham. Topped with creamy mozzarella and a homemade vinaigrette, each bite is full of Italian zest. Ideal for any meal, this recipe lets you enjoy the rich flavors of Italy from the comfort of your kitchen.
This single serve Italian Chopped Salad is delicious on its own, but you can easily turn it into a more substantial meal. Enjoy it alongside a slice of freshly baked French bread, a bowl of zesty Pasta al Limone, some flavorful Pesto Pasta, or even a slice of Pepperoni Pizza. For a lighter option, try using homemade tortillas to create a delightful wrap filled with the salad.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Italian Chopped Salad Recipe
- What Makes An Italian Chopped Salad Special?
- Ingredients
- Recipe Variations
- How To Make An Italian Chopped Salad For One
- Expert Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Must-Try Single Serving Salad Recipes
- Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
- Italian Chopped Salad For One Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Italian Chopped Salad Recipe
- Perfect Portion Control: First off, when you’re making a single serving recipe, you’re in total control of your portions. This means no accidental overeating, and no sad, wilted leftovers. It’s just the right amount to satisfy your salad cravings without going overboard.
- Quick and Easy: One of the best things about this salad is how quickly you can whip it up. Since you’re only prepping for one, the chopping and assembling take no time at all. Plus, fewer ingredients mean less time spent shopping. It’s a win-win!
- No Waste, No Fuss: Don’t you hate it when you make a huge salad, only to find it soggy the next day? With a single serving, you eat what you make right away. No waste, and you always get to enjoy it at its freshest.
- Doubles Beautifully: Got company? No problem! This recipe is so straightforward that doubling or even tripling it is a breeze. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a special occasion, this Italian Chopped Salad scales effortlessly to meet your needs.
What Makes An Italian Chopped Salad Special?
An Italian Chopped Salad takes the classic chopped salad and gives it an irresistible Italian twist! It’s packed with goodies like salami, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. All the ingredients are diced into small, bite-sized pieces, making it incredibly easy to eat. This vibrant salad originated in Italian-American restaurants and offers an explosion of textures and flavors, from crisp veggies and savory meats to a tangy vinaigrette.
Perfect For One
Italian Chopped Salads are delicious, but large recipes can leave those cooking for one with leftovers that lose their freshness. Our single serving version gives you all the flavor without the waste! It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a satisfying side dish.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small Italian Chopped Salad recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
For The Lemon Vinaigrette:
- Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a tart, zesty edge. Apple cider vinegar is an excellent substitute if you’re out of red wine vinegar.
- Dijon Mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing. You can use yellow mustard, but it will have a milder flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Convenient for quick recipes and adds a subtle garlic note. Fresh minced garlic works too if you prefer.
- Dried Oregano: Brings a herby aroma. Fresh oregano can also be used, just chop it finely.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
- Black Pepper: Adds a bit of kick. Freshly ground black pepper is ideal for a more robust flavor.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor. It acts as the base for the vinaigrette.
- Lemon Juice: Adds citrusy brightness. Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended over bottled.
- Honey: Sweetens the dressing slightly.
For The Salad:
- Iceberg Lettuce: Provides a crispy base. Romaine or spinach are good alternatives for varying textures and flavors. Got extra lettuce? Use some in a Cobb Salad or in a Greek Salad.
- Red Onions: Adds a spicy, aromatic touch. Shallots or white onions can be used if you prefer milder flavors. Extra red onions can be used to make a small batch of pickled onions.
- Tomatoes: I use cherry tomatoes which bring a natural sweetness. One medium sized tomato can be used instead. A handful of extra cherry or grape tomatoes can be used to make our Pan-Fried Okra and Tomatoes recipe!
- Canned Chickpeas: Adds plant-based protein. Extra chickpeas can be used to make Chickpea Curry or Hummus.
- Salami: Offers a salty, fatty richness. Chorizo or pepperoni are good alternatives. Extra salami can be used in an Italian Pasta Salad.
- Ham: Gives a smoky flavor and any extra ham can be used in a Crustless Spinach Quiche or Ham and Cheese Scones. Turkey or chicken slices could also work.
- Mozzarella Pearls: Mozzarella pearls are tiny, bite-sized balls of fresh mozzarella cheese. They’re perfect for scattering across the salad and they add a creamy, indulgent twist. You can easily use regular fresh mozzarella as a substitute. Just take a ball of fresh mozzarella and cut it into small, bite-sized cubes. Cubed feta or dairy-free options like almond cheese can substitute. Extra mozzarella can be used in Lasagna Rollups or Caprese Pasta.
- Pepperoncini: Adds a tangy spice to the salad. Banana peppers or jalapeños are good alternatives for different heat levels.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Gives an aromatic herbal note. Fresh mint or even parsley can offer different but equally pleasing herbal notes.
Recipe Variations
Craving something a little different? Here are some simple swaps and additions that can bring a new twist to your Italian Chopped Salad.
- Go Vegetarian: Replace the salami and ham with grilled or roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant for a meat-free version.
- Spice it Up: Add a sprinkle of red chili flakes to the dressing for a spicy kick.
- Nutty Twist: Almonds or walnuts can add crunch and a different layer of flavor.
- Cheese Swap: Try feta or blue cheese instead of mozzarella for a more robust flavor.
- Tropical Vibe: Toss in some diced pineapple or mango for a fruity, tropical twist.
How To Make An Italian Chopped Salad For One
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make this chopped salad recipe. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Prepare the Lemon Vinaigrette: In a mixing bowl or a small jar, blend together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined and set aside.
- Prep the Lettuce: Cut the iceberg lettuce into 1/4-inch strips lengthwise for easy mixing and eating.
- Build the Salad: In a sizable bowl, mix together your sliced iceberg lettuce, red onions, juicy tomatoes, canned chickpeas, savory salami, smoky ham, creamy mozzarella pearls, tangy pepperoncini, and fresh basil.
- Add Dressing and Customize: Gently pour the prepared lemon vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Toss lightly to coat everything evenly. Feel free to tweak the seasonings or add more of your favorite ingredients according to your taste.
- Enjoy Your Salad: Now that everything’s mixed and dressed, your Italian Chopped Salad is ready to eat.
Expert Tips
- Dressing Ahead: Consider making the lemon vinaigrette a day in advance to let the flavors meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Ingredient Prep: Chop all your ingredients roughly the same size for a uniform eating experience.
- Veggie Drain: If using canned chickpeas, make sure to drain and rinse them well to remove excess sodium.
- Personalize Your Salad: The beauty of an Italian Chopped Salad is its versatility. Tweak the dressing for your desired level of tang or swap in different herbs to make the flavor profile uniquely yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Italian chopped salads can be prepared in advance. However, it’s best to keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Leftover Italian chopped salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Just remember to add the dressing before serving.
While a classic vinaigrette is common, feel free to enjoy your salad with other dressings like ranch, chunky blue cheese, creamy goat cheese, or even a poppy-seed dressing.
Absolutely! To make an Italian chopped salad for two, simply double the ingredient amounts.
Must-Try Single Serving Salad Recipes
Hungry for more variety in your one-person salad game? This curated list of single serving salad recipes will keep your taste buds excited and your meal planning stress-free.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
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Italian Chopped Salad For One
Equipment
Ingredients
For the vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ tablespoon dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon honey -or add more if you would like your dressing to be sweeter.
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon dried oregano
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- pinch coarsely ground black pepper
For the salad
- ¼ small head of iceberg lettuce
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onions
- ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes
- ¼ cup canned chickpeas -rinsed and drained
- 1 ounce salami -sliced
- 1 ounce ham -sliced
- ¼ cup mozzarella pearls
- 1 tablespoon thinly sliced pepperoncini
- 4 large basil leaves -sliced
Instructions
Make the vinaigrette
- In a mixing bowl or a small jar, blend together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, honey, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined and set aside.
Prep the lettuce
- Cut the iceberg lettuce into ¼-inch strips lengthwise for easy mixing and eating.
Build the salad
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the sliced lettuce, red onions, tomatoes, chickpeas, salami, ham, mozzarella, pepperoncini, and basil.
- Gently pour the prepared lemon vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Toss lightly to coat everything evenly. Feel free to tweak the seasonings or add more of your favorite ingredients according to your taste.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Dressing Ahead: Consider making the lemon vinaigrette a day in advance to let the flavors meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Ingredient Prep: Chop all your ingredients roughly the same size for a uniform eating experience.
- Veggie Drain: If using canned chickpeas, make sure to drain and rinse them well to remove excess sodium.
- Personalize Your Salad: The beauty of an Italian Chopped Salad is its versatility. Tweak the dressing for your desired level of tang or swap in different herbs to make the flavor profile uniquely yours.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Good recipe.
Thank you!