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Indulge in this quick and simple Italian Chopped Salad For One! Easy to make and packed with delicious Italian flavors, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion.
Get ready to experience a salad that has it all—crunch, flavor, and heartiness. This Italian Chopped Salad is the perfect mix of fresh lettuce, zesty red onions, vibrant tomatoes, nutrient-packed chickpeas, and classic Italian meats like salami and ham. Add in some creamy mozzarella and top it all off with a homemade vinaigrette that zings with every bite. It’s like having a little piece of Italy right in your bowl, without leaving your kitchen.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Italian Chopped Salad Recipe
- What Is An Italian Chopped Salad?
- Ingredients
- Ingredient Notes And Substitutions
- How To Make An Italian Chopped Salad For One
- Expert Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Serving Suggestions
- Recipe Variations
- Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
- 15 Must-Try Single Serving Salad Recipes
- 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 Is An Italian Chopped Salad?
An Italian Chopped Salad elevates the concept of a traditional chopped salad by featuring Italian-inspired ingredients like salami, mozzarella, and fresh basil. Perfect for easy eating, all components are cut into bite-sized pieces. Originating from Italian-American cuisine, this dynamic dish combines crisp vegetables, Italian meats, and a zesty vinaigrette, offering a burst of flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Ingredient Notes And Substitutions
See below for ways to use leftover ingredients.
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.
- Red Onions: Adds a spicy, aromatic touch. Shallots or white onions can be used if you prefer milder flavors.
- Tomatoes: I use cherry tomatoes which bring a natural sweetness. One medium sized tomato can be used instead.
- Canned Chickpeas: Adds plant-based protein.
- Salami: Offers a salty, fatty richness. Chorizo or pepperoni are good alternatives.
- Ham: Gives a smoky flavor. 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.
- 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.
This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why I used them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.
How To Make An Italian Chopped Salad For One
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make an Italian Chopped Salad. 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, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings.
Serving Suggestions
Looking for the perfect pairings to make your Italian Chopped Salad even more enjoyable? These handpicked side options add an extra touch of satisfaction to your meal.
- Crusty Bread: A slice of warm bread complements the salad’s Italian flair.
- Pasta Side: Consider a small portion of your favorite light pasta dish.
- White Wine: A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with this salad.
- Grilled Chicken: For added protein, serve alongside a lean piece of grilled or baked chicken breast.
- Fruit Platter: Fresh fruit like melon or berries can provide a sweet counterpoint to the salad’s savory elements.
- Classic Side Dish: The salad works wonders next to Italian classics like Pesto Pasta, Lasagna, or Pepperoni Pizza. It adds a refreshing crunch and balance.
- Salad Wraps: For a portable meal option, stuff a large tortilla wrap with the chopped salad, add your choice of protein, and a drizzle of dressing.
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.
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:
- Dijon mustard: Mustard Chicken, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Crab Cakes
- Garlic powder: Hash Browns, Beer Bread, Pork Chop
- Oregano: Spanish Rice, Chicken Caprese, Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
- Honey: Pickled Onions, Baked Oatmeal, Peanut Butter Balls
- Red onions: Guacamole, Greek Chicken Bowl, Smoked Salmon Platter
- Tomatoes: Pan Fried Okra and Tomatoes, Caprese Pasta, Bruschetta
- Chickpeas: Chickpea Curry, Hummus, Vegetarian Chili
- Mozzarella: Pizza Bowl, Baked Buffalo Chicken, Stuffed Shells
15 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.
For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.
For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.
If you’ve tried this small batch Italian Pasta Salad recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
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Recipe
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!