Italian Chopped Salad Delight

This vibrant Italian chopped salad brings classic flavors to your table while keeping things Whole30, Paleo, low-carb, and gluten-free. I started making this salad during my first Whole30 challenge when I craved something beyond boring lettuce, and it's remained a staple in my weekly rotation ever since.

I first created this recipe when hosting friends with various dietary restrictions. Everyone could enjoy it without feeling like they were missing out, and even my Italian grandmother gave it her stamp of approval.

Ingredients

• Romaine lettuce: Fresh and crisp romaine creates the perfect base. Look for heads with tight, bright green leaves.
• Uncured ham: Provides protein and authentic Italian flavor. Choose a clean Whole30 compliant brand like Applegate.
• Cherry tomatoes: These add bursts of juicy sweetness. Select firm tomatoes with vibrant color for best flavor.
• Basil leaves: Fresh basil brings aromatic Italian essence. Garden fresh is best if available.
• Red onion: Adds zesty bite and beautiful color. Choose firm onions with tight outer skin.
• Black olives: These provide saltiness and classic Italian flavor. Drain thoroughly before adding.
• Pepperoncini peppers: These add a tangy kick without overwhelming heat. Find them jarred in most grocery stores.
• Primal Kitchen Italian Dressing: A clean, compliant option that brings everything together. Look for the avocado oil base.
• Optional additions: Salami, parsley, artichoke hearts, hearts of palm, or kalamata olives can elevate this dish further.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Vegetables:

Thoroughly wash and dry your romaine lettuce then chop into bite sized pieces. Quarter cherry tomatoes, finely dice red onion, and thinly slice your basil leaves using a sharp knife. Having everything uniformly sized ensures perfect bites with all flavors represented.

Prepare Protein Components:

Slice your uncured ham into small squares or strips. If using optional salami, do the same. The protein should be in pieces small enough to get a bit in every forkful without dominating.

Combine Base Ingredients:

Add chopped romaine to a large mixing bowl first, then layer in all remaining ingredients. This prevents the heavier items from sinking to the bottom and ensures even distribution throughout the salad.

Dress The Salad:

Start with three tablespoons of Primal Kitchen Italian Dressing and pour evenly over the salad ingredients. Always start with less dressing than you think you need, as you can always add more.

Toss Thoroughly:

Using two large forks or salad tossers, gently lift and mix the salad repeatedly until every piece is lightly coated with dressing. Take your time with this step, about 30 seconds of thorough tossing ensures perfect flavor distribution.

Serve Immediately:

Transfer to a serving bowl or individual plates and enjoy right away for maximum freshness and crispness. The salad is at its peak texture immediately after tossing.

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The pepperoncini peppers are truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered their importance when I once left them out and immediately noticed the salad lacked that special zing. My husband now refuses to eat this salad without them.

Make-Ahead Tips

This salad can be prepped up to 24 hours in advance if stored properly. I recommend chopping all ingredients and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent soggy lettuce. For meal prep, I often portion the salad into individual containers with small dressing containers on the side for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

Ingredient Swaps

If you cannot find some ingredients or need to accommodate different dietary needs, several substitutions work beautifully. Spinach or mixed greens can replace romaine for a different texture. Turkey or chicken works instead of ham for the protein. For a vegetarian version, add extra olives and a quarter cup of chopped walnuts for protein and texture. White vinegar with a quality olive oil can substitute for the prepared dressing in a pinch.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile salad pairs perfectly with nearly any protein. I love serving it alongside grilled chicken or as a side with Italian meatballs for a complete meal. For entertaining, serve it family style in a large wooden bowl with grilled meats and vegetables for a beautiful presentation. During summer months, I often bring this to cookouts where it stands up well to heavier barbecue options.

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This simple, fresh Italian salad is bound to become a staple in your household, just like it is in ours!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Yes, you can substitute romaine with other crisp lettuces like iceberg or mixed greens. These will provide similar freshness and crunch.

→ What type of dressing works best?

A tangy Italian dressing is ideal, but you can experiment with vinaigrette or make your own dressing using olive oil, vinegar, and Italian seasonings.

→ Are the olives necessary?

No, olives are optional. You can skip them or replace them with alternatives like sliced cucumbers, artichokes, or even capers.

→ Can protein be added to this salad?

Absolutely! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, hard-boiled eggs, or extra deli meats like turkey or salami for added protein.

→ Is this salad good for meal prep?

Yes, it's great for meal prep. Simply store the ingredients and dressing separately, and mix them just before serving to keep it fresh.

→ How can I make this vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, skip the meats and add more veggies like cucumbers, hearts of palm, or roasted red peppers.