Crunchy Antipasto Chopped Salad

This Crunchy Antipasto Chopped Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish inspired by classic Italian flavors. It brings together a colorful array of fresh vegetables, savory salami, and creamy mozzarella pearls, all tied together with a zesty homemade Italian dressing. It's an easy, no-cook meal that is perfect for busy weekdays or weekend gatherings.

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This salad isn't just a side dish; it's a hearty and protein-packed meal thanks to the chickpeas and salami. The dressing, made with red wine vinegar and Dijon mustard, adds a sharp, tangy finish that balances the richness of the cheese and meat beautifully.

Ingredients

• Vegetables & Legumes: 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can chickpeas (drained and rinsed), 1 cup cherry tomatoes (quartered), 1 cup diced cucumber, 1 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/2 cup diced yellow pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini.
• Meats & Cheeses: 100 g (3.5 oz) salami (cut into small cubes), 1 cup (115 g) mozzarella pearls or diced fresh mozzarella, 1/4 cup pitted black olives (sliced).
• Dressing: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper.
• Garnish: 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.

Make crepes, pancakes, tortillas, and omelets evenly with quick heating and precise temperature control.

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Instructions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red and yellow bell pepper, red onion, pepperoncini, black olives, salami, and mozzarella.

Step 2

In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 3

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 4

Sprinkle with chopped basil and parsley.

Step 5

Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Using a whisk or a jar to emulsify the dressing ensures that the mustard and oil blend perfectly, providing a consistent flavor in every bite. If you have a few extra minutes, let the salad sit in the fridge to allow the chickpeas to absorb the zesty dressing.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegetarian version, you can easily omit the salami or substitute it with marinated artichoke hearts for a similar briny punch. You might also enjoy adding marinated mushrooms or roasted red peppers to further customize the vegetable mix.

Serviervorschläge

This salad is delicious when served with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up the leftover dressing. It can be enjoyed as a light main course or served in smaller portions as a vibrant appetizer at your next Italian-inspired dinner.

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Enjoy this refreshing and colorful Crunchy Antipasto Chopped Salad. It's a simple way to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Toast bread, bagels, and sourdough evenly for breakfast, sandwiches, and quick meal prep.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare all ingredients separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store dressing in a sealed jar and vegetables in separate containers. Toss everything together just before serving or up to 2 hours prior for enhanced flavor blending.

→ How do I make this vegetarian?

Simply omit the salami or replace it with marinated artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or marinated mushrooms for similar depth and texture. The chickpeas provide excellent protein content.

→ What vegetables can I substitute?

Feel free to swap bell peppers with zucchini, add fennel for crunch, substitute cucumber with celery, or include sun-dried tomatoes. Maintain a mix of crisp and juicy vegetables for best results.

→ Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. Keep dressing separate from vegetables and proteins for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Combine just before eating to maintain the crispy texture of vegetables and salad components.

→ Can I use different cheeses?

Yes, fresh mozzarella is ideal, but you can use cubed provolone, feta, or a blend of Italian cheeses. Adjust quantities based on your preference for saltiness and richness.

→ What's the best way to store leftovers?

Store the dressed salad in an airtight container for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, keep components separate and combine when ready to serve. Undressed portions keep well for 24 hours refrigerated.