Description
Irresistible deli-style chopped salad blends classic American diner flavors with fresh, crisp ingredients. Mediterranean herbs and zesty dressing elevate this hearty salad to a satisfying meal you will eagerly devour.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup salami or pepperoni, diced
- ½ cup provolone cheese, diced (or mozzarella cubes)
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 cups iceberg lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, halved (optional)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsps red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Base: Chop crisp lettuce into bite-sized pieces in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a verdant foundation for the salad.
- Slice Vegetables: Quarter juicy tomatoes, slice cucumbers, and finely cut red onions into delicate rings, arranging them evenly across the lettuce.
- Layer Proteins: Dice deli meats including turkey, ham, and salami into uniform pieces, distributing them strategically throughout the salad for balanced flavor.
- Add Cheese and Extras: Sprinkle shredded cheese, sliced olives, and sweet peppers across the mixture, creating a colorful and textured landscape.
- Incorporate Eggs and Crunch: Slice hard-boiled eggs and scatter croutons or roasted chickpeas over the salad, enhancing protein and textural complexity.
- Craft Dressing: Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, honey, salt, and freshly ground pepper in a separate bowl until well combined.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle dressing over the salad, toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients, and serve immediately to maintain crisp textures and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Chop Ingredients Precisely: Cut vegetables and meats into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure balanced flavor and texture in every forkful.
- Prevent Soggy Salad: Add croutons or crispy elements just before serving to maintain their crunchiness and prevent moisture absorption.
- Layer Flavors Strategically: Add ingredients in stages, starting with greens as a base, then building protein and vegetable layers to prevent ingredients from sinking or getting crushed.
- Customize Protein Options: Swap deli meats with grilled chicken, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences while maintaining the salad’s core flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg