Chop Salad Recipe

Prepare lettuce

Rinse romaine (and mixed greens if using) under cold water. Shake off excess water and dry thoroughly with a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel. Stack leaves, roll tightly, and slice crosswise into 1/2-inch ribbons. Place ribbons in a large mixing bowl.

Dice peppers

Core and seed the red bell pepper, then cut into small dice (about 1/4-inch). Add to the bowl with the lettuce.

Prepare peppers and olives

Slice pepperoncini or banana peppers into rings and add to the bowl. If olives are whole, halve or quarter them for easy eating; add to the bowl.

Add pickled onion and tomatoes

Measure and add the pickled red onion to the bowl. If using cherry tomatoes, halve them and add as well.

Prep salami and mozzarella

Stack salami slices, roll or fold and cut into thin strips, then dice into small pieces (roughly the same size as the pepper dice). Add salami to the bowl. Drain mozzarella pearls or dice a larger ball to small cubes and add to the bowl.

Chop the parsley and thinly slice basil. Add both herbs to the bowl to distribute fresh flavor throughout the salad.

Make the dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or sugar), minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously or shake until the dressing emulsifies and becomes slightly thickened.

Taste and adjust

Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning as needed—add more vinegar if it needs brightness, more honey if you prefer sweeter, or more salt and pepper to taste.

Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss thoroughly with tongs or salad hands so the lettuce and mix-ins are evenly coated. Add more dressing as desired, reserving any leftover dressing for serving.

If using, sprinkle grated Parmesan over the tossed salad and give it one gentle toss to combine. Taste a leaf and adjust final seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Serve the chop salad immediately in a large platter or divide into individual bowls. Offer crusty bread or crostini alongside.