Crunchy Antipasto Chopped Salad (Printable View)

A satisfying Italian-American salad featuring chickpeas, fresh vegetables, salami, mozzarella, and tangy Italian dressing.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables & Legumes

01 - 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
03 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
04 - 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
06 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
07 - 1/4 cup pepperoncini, sliced

→ Meats & Cheeses

08 - 3.5 oz salami, cut into small cubes
09 - 1 cup mozzarella pearls or diced fresh mozzarella
10 - 1/4 cup pitted black olives, sliced

→ Dressing

11 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
12 - 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
13 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
14 - 1 garlic clove, minced
15 - 1 tsp dried oregano
16 - 1/2 tsp salt
17 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Garnish

18 - 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
19 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

# How to Make:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, pepperoncini, black olives, salami, and mozzarella.
02 - In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper until fully emulsified.
03 - Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure even coating of all ingredients.
04 - Sprinkle chopped basil and parsley over the salad. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Everything can be prepped ahead so it actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge
  • The chickpeas make it filling enough for a main course but it still feels fresh
  • You get that whole antipasto platter experience without turning on the oven
02 -
  • The salad needs at least 30 minutes in the fridge for the flavors to meld properly
  • Do not add the fresh herbs until you are ready to serve or they will wilt
  • Everything should be patted dry before tossing so the dressing is not watered down
03 -
  • Cut everything smaller than you think you need to so you get multiple ingredients in each bite
  • Let the salad sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving if it has been refrigerated
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