Zesty Italian Chopped Salad – A Quick and Affordable Weeknight Side

Weeknight dinners can feel like a blur sometimes, right? Between helping with homework, folding that mountain of laundry (how does it grow so fast??), and figuring out what’s actually in the fridge, I need recipes that come together quick without a lot of fuss. That’s where this Zesty Italian Chopped Salad comes in – super fresh, full of bold flavors, and best of all, budget-friendly.

I started making this salad when I needed something fast to go with pasta night, but honestly, it’s become a regular all on it’s own. The combo of crisp veggies, salty salami, creamy mozzarella, and that punchy homemade dressing? So good. And it doesn’t hurt that most of these ingredients are pantry or fridge staples for us. It’s one of those throw-it-together meals that still feels a little fancy.

Even my kids love it – well, minus the onions for a couple of them – but hey, I’ll take the win. If you’re looking for a side dish or a light lunch that’s light, flavorful, and easy on the grocery bill, give this one a try. I think you’ll be surprised how often you end up craving it!

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 4 cups of Romaine lettuce, chopped
  Romaine adds the perfect crunchy base – affordable, fresh, and easy to find at any grocery store.

• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
  Sweet and juicy, cherry tomatoes bring a pop of color and a burst of flavor.

• 1 cup of cucumber, diced
  Cucumber keeps things light and refreshing, plus it stretches the salad without adding much cost.

• 1/2 cup of red onion, thinly sliced
  A little red onion goes a long way for flavor – feel free to soak it in cold water to mellow the bite.

• 1/2 cup of black olives, pitted and sliced
  Canned black olives are an easy pantry staple that add just the right salty kick.

• 1/2 cup of fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
  Mozzarella makes this salad feel hearty – buy a block and cube it yourself to save a few bucks.

• 1/2 cup of green bell peppers, diced
  Crunchy and mild, green bell peppers are usually the most affordable of the bunch.

• 1/4 cup of banana peppers, sliced
  These bring a little tangy heat – grab a jar and keep them on hand for salads and sandwiches.

• 1/4 cup of salami, sliced
  A small amount of salami adds bold, savory flavor – use what you have or skip for a veggie version.

• 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil
  Fresh basil brightens everything up – if you grow herbs at home, even better!

• 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
  Parsley adds a fresh, clean taste and ties all the flavors together.

For the Zesty Dressing:

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, preferably labeled “extra-light tasting”
  This type of olive oil keeps the dressing smooth and lets the herbs and spices shine.

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  Red wine vinegar gives the dressing that classic Italian zing – it’s inexpensive and lasts forever.

• 1 garlic clove, minced
  Fresh garlic adds depth – just one clove makes a big impact here.

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  Mustard helps emulsify the dressing and adds a bit of tangy warmth.

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 or 2 lemons)
  Lemon juice keeps things bright and zesty – bottled works in a pinch!

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  Oregano brings that signature Italian flavor – don’t skip it!

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  Just enough to round out the dressing – adjust to taste.

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  Freshly cracked pepper adds a nice little kick – use pre-ground if that’s what you’ve got.

• 1 tablespoon sugar
  A little sugar balances the vinegar and lemon – feel free to reduce if you prefer it less sweet.

Recipe Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Chop, dice, and slice all the ingredients listed in the salad ingredients section.

2. In a deep glass, combine all the dressing ingredients and use an immersion blender to mix them thoroughly.

3. Layer the salad in the following order: start with the chopped lettuce, then add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced green bell peppers, diced cucumbers, cubed mozzarella cheese, sliced salami, thinly sliced red onions, black olives, banana peppers, and the chopped basil and parsley.

4. Top the layered salad with the prepared zesty dressing.

Top Tips

1. Prep Ahead to Save Time
Chop the veggies and mix the dressing in advance – just store them separately in the fridge. This makes dinner assembly a breeze on a busy night!

2. Use What You Have
No mozzarella? Try shredded cheddar or cubed provolone. Don’t have salami? Leftover rotisserie chicken or even chickpeas work great too.

3. Make It a Meal
Double the protein (salami or add some grilled chicken) and serve with garlic bread for an easy main dish that still feels light.

4. Save Money with Bulk Jars
Pickled banana peppers, olives, and even red wine vinegar are often cheaper in bulk or store-brand jars – and they keep forever in the fridge or pantry.

5. Don’t Skip the Dressing
This homemade zesty dressing is the star of the show. If you don’t have an immersion blender, just shake everything up in a mason jar!

6. Kid-Friendly Tweaks
Leave tricky ingredients (like onions or banana peppers) on the side so kids can build their own version of the salad.

7. Make It Lunch-Box Friendly
Pack the salad and dressing separately for a fresh, no-soggy lunch the next day. Just shake and eat!

Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas

1. Serve with Pasta or Pizza
This chopped salad makes a fresh and flavorful side for pasta night or homemade pizza – especially anything with a red sauce.

2. Add Garlic Bread on the Side
A warm slice of garlic bread or breadsticks turns this into a satisfying meal without much effort.

3. Pair with Grilled Meat or Fish
Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or even salmon for a light, balanced dinner – perfect for warmer weather.

4. Build-Your-Own Salad Bar
Set out all the toppings separately and let everyone build their own bowl. It’s a great way to please picky eaters!

5. Wrap It Up
Toss the salad in a wrap with some extra protein and a smear of hummus or pesto for an easy lunch or light dinner.

6. Picnic or Potluck Ready
This salad holds up well, so it’s great for outdoor meals, potlucks, or church gatherings – just keep the dressing separate until serving.

7. Pair with Soup
Serve it next to a warm bowl of minestrone, tomato basil, or even chicken noodle for a cozy, budget-friendly dinner.