Merken The Crunchy Antipasto Chopped Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish inspired by classic Italian flavors. Combining hearty chickpeas with crisp vegetables, savory salami, and creamy mozzarella, it's all brought together by a zesty Italian dressing that packs a punch. This salad is perfect for anyone looking for a fresh, protein-packed meal that is as colorful as it is delicious.
Merken This recipe is all about harmony. The bite of the red onion and spicy pepperoncini perfectly balances the mild mozzarella pearls and savory salami cubes. It's a versatile dish that works just as well at a picnic as it does for a weekday lunch prep.
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup yellow pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini, sliced
- 100 g (3.5 oz) salami, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup (115 g) mozzarella pearls or diced fresh mozzarella
- 1/4 cup pitted black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red and yellow bell pepper, red onion, pepperoncini, black olives, salami, and mozzarella.
- Step 2
- In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Step 3
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Step 4
- Sprinkle with chopped basil and parsley.
- Step 5
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure a perfect salad, chop all vegetables into uniform sizes. This makes the salad easier to eat and ensures you get a little bit of every flavor in every single bite. Using a large mixing bowl is essential to allow enough space for tossing without spilling.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian version, omit salami or substitute with marinated artichoke hearts. Try adding marinated mushrooms or roasted red peppers for extra depth of flavor.
Serviervorschläge
Serve with crusty bread as an appetizer or as a light main dish. It also pairs beautifully as a side dish for grilled meats or alongside a warm soup.
Merken Whether you are serving this at a family gathering or enjoying it as a quick home-cooked lunch, the Crunchy Antipasto Chopped Salad is sure to become a staple. Its bright colors and bold Italian-American flavors make it a refreshing choice any time of year.
