Best 6 Italian Hero Chopped Salad Recipes

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Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Italy with a hearty and refreshing Italian Hero Chopped Salad. This delectable salad combines the classic ingredients of a traditional Italian hero sandwich into a crisp and colorful chopped salad. Featuring juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, savory salami, tangy provolone cheese, and a zesty Italian dressing, this salad is a symphony of flavors and textures.

Accompanying this main recipe are three additional variations that cater to different dietary preferences and taste buds. For those seeking a vegetarian option, the Vegetarian Hero Chopped Salad swaps out the salami and provolone for hearty chickpeas and creamy avocado. Health-conscious individuals will delight in the Skinny Italian Hero Chopped Salad, which uses lean turkey and low-fat cheese to create a lighter version of the classic. And for those with a gluten intolerance, the Gluten-Free Italian Hero Chopped Salad utilizes a gluten-free breadcrumb topping to ensure everyone can enjoy this Italian-inspired dish.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

ITALIAN CHOPPED SALAD



Italian Chopped Salad image

The best classic Italian Chopped Salad, made with fresh, healthy ingredients! Crisp lettuce, salami, chickpeas and more make it unforgettable.

Provided by Erin Clarke / Well Plated

Categories     Salad

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 19

1/2 medium red onion (very thinly sliced)
1/2 cup chopped dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes
1 small bunch kale (about 8 ounces, curly or Lacinato kale)
Pinch kosher salt
1 large head romaine (chopped (about 4 cups))
1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 15-ounce can chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
4 ounces Provolone cheese (cut into 1/4-inch cubes (about 1 cup))
4 ounces salami (cut into bite-size pieces*)
1/2 cup stemmed and thinly sliced pepperoncini peppers
1/2 cup thinly sliced kalamata olives
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic (minced (about 1 teaspoon))
1/2 teaspoon honey
2 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Steps:

  • Place the red onion in a small bowl and cover with cold water (this step keeps the onion's flavor but removes some of its harsh aftertaste). Let sit while you prepare the rest of the salad.
  • Place the sun-dried tomatoes in a separate bowl and cover with hot water to rehydrate. Let sit while you prepare the rest of the salad.
  • Peel the kale leaves off of the stems and discard the stems. Chop the leaves into very thin ribbons. You will have about 6 cups. Place in a very large mixing bowl and sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt. Grab the kale by big handfuls, massaging it with your hands until it turns dark green in color, feels softer, and is fragrant. Don't skip this step! It makes the kale tender and delicious.
  • To the bowl, add the romaine, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, cheese, salami (if using), pepperoncini, and olives.
  • Mix up the dressing: in a large liquid measuring cup or small mixing bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients-olive oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic, honey, oregano, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, you can shake all of the ingredients together in a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid.
  • Drain the red onion and sun-dried tomatoes. Add to the bowl with the romaine mixture.
  • If serving the salad all at once, drizzle enough dressing on to lightly coat it, then toss to combine (when in doubt, start with less dressing. It's easy to over dress a salad!). Or, if you are serving the salad over a series of days, toss the salad without the dressing to combine, then dress only the portion you plan to eat right away. Taste and add extra salt or pepper as desired.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 (of 10), Calories 260 kcal, Carbohydrate 22 g, Protein 12 g, Fat 15 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Cholesterol 17 mg, Fiber 5 g, Sugar 6 g

ITALIAN CHOPPED SALAD



Italian Chopped Salad image

This Italian Chopped Salad rivals any restaurant Italian salad there is. It's one of my favorite chopped salad recipes because it's loaded with a variety of healthy ingredients tossed in a delicious homemade Italian dressing that will have you coming back for seconds!

Provided by Deborah

Categories     Salads

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 21

2-1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1-1/2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/2 tablespoons minced kalamata olives
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
1-1/2 cups good extra-virgin olive oil
Half of a small red onion, halved through the core
1-1/2 cups canned garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups romaine lettuce (about 1 large or two small heads), rinsed, dried and chopped
2 cups radicchio (about 1 medium head)
1 pint small sweet cherry tomatoes, halved through the stem ends
1 large cucumber, peeled and seeded then cut in half and sliced
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese (or 4 ounces aged provolone, sliced into strips)
5 peperoncini, stems cut off and discarded, thinly sliced
1/2 cup kalamata olives
1/2 cup Italian Vinaigrette
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Dired oregano, for sprinkling

Steps:

  • Slice the layers of onions lengthwise 1/16 inch thick. Place the onion slices in a small bowl of ice water and set aside.
  • Drain the onion and pat dry with paper towels before adding them to the salad.
  • Thinly slice the lettuce and radicchio.
  • In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, radicchio, tomatoes,cucumber, garbanzo beans, cheese, ,peperoncini, and onion slices.
  • Toss to thoroughly combine the ingredients.
  • Drizzle 1/2 cup of the vinaigrette and the juice of the lemon over the salad, then toss gently to coat the salad with the dressing.
  • Taste for seasoning and add more lemon juice, or vinaigrette if desired.
  • Sprinkle with extra oregano and serve.
  • Combine the vinegar, oregano, lemon juice, garlic, kalamata olives, Parmesan cheese, and pepper in a medium bowl and whisk to combine the ingredients.
  • Set aside for 5 minutes to marinate the oregano and basil.
  • Add the olive oil in a slow thin stream, whisking constantly to combine. You can also add all the ingredients to a glass jar with a lid and shake to combine.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 673 calories, Carbohydrate 26 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 5 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 62 grams fat, Fiber 6 grams fiber, Protein 7 grams protein, SaturatedFat 9 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 1043 milligrams sodium, Sugar 11 grams sugar, TransFat 0 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 51 grams unsaturated fat

SUPER ITALIAN CHOPPED SALAD



Super Italian Chopped Salad image

Antipasto ingredients are sliced and diced to make this substantial chop salad. I like to buy sliced meat from the deli and chop it all up so you can get a bit of everything in each bite. -Kim Molina, Duarte, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

3 cups torn romaine
1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 jar (6-1/2 ounces) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
5 slices deli ham, chopped
5 thin slices hard salami, chopped
5 slices pepperoni, chopped
3 slices provolone cheese, chopped
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Pepperoncini, optional

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the first 11 ingredients. For dressing, in a small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Pour over salad; toss to coat. Sprinkle with cheese. Top with pepperoncini, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 185 calories, Fat 13g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 12mg cholesterol, Sodium 444mg sodium, Carbohydrate 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

ITALIAN-HERO CHOPPED SALAD



Italian-Hero Chopped Salad image

This versatile lunch salad works well with whatever meats you have on hand. It's an Italian take on the chopped salad with spicy marinated vegetables and garlic-ciabatta croutons. The croutons and dressing can be made ahead and will stay fresh up to a week. Pack everything in a resealable container and you're ready to go.

Provided by Lauryn Tyrell

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Turkey Recipes

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup cubed ciabatta
1 small clove garlic, minced
Provolone, finely grated (enough to coat ciabatta)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
Hoagie spread, such as Cento Diced Hot Cherry Pepper Hoagie Pepper Spread
Mixed greens, such as radicchio, endive, and arugula
Sliced roast turkey, salami, provolone, celery, and store-bought giardiniera (marinated vegetables)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Toss ciabatta with garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, and enough finely grated provolone to coat lightly and evenly; season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Bake until crisp and golden, about 10 minutes.
  • Stir together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and mayonnaise. Add hoagie spread, salt, and pepper to taste and stir to combine.
  • Pack mixed greens in a resealable container with sliced roast turkey, salami, provolone, celery, and giardiniera. Pack dressing and croutons separately. Toss to combine just before eating.

ITALIAN HERO SANDWICH



Italian Hero Sandwich image

Italian hero, sub, hoagie, grinder - this classic sandwich has many names, and every deli makes it differently. Its deliciousness lies in the proportion of rich-and-fatty ingredients to spicy-and-crunchy ones. For optimal structure and texture, start with crusty rolls with pillowy insides (or toast soft rolls). Use two to four types of cured meat for a range of umami, and plenty of lettuce and pickles to counterbalance them. Then assemble wisely: Shingle the meat and cheese across the rolls, then top with pickles, onions and dressed lettuce. Once put together, the wet ingredients are wrapped in meat so they're held in place and the bread doesn't get soggy. Wrap with parchment or wax paper for tidier eating and transporting.

Provided by Ali Slagle

Categories     dinner, easy, lunch, sandwiches, main course

Time 10m

Yield 4 sandwiches

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 small red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano
Kosher salt (Diamond Crystal)
4 (6- to 8-inch-long) sub, hero or hoagie rolls, split lengthwise but attached on one side
Mustard and/or mayonnaise (optional)
4 ounces sliced provolone and/or low-moisture mozzarella cheese
1 pound thinly sliced Italian cured meats, such as salami, prosciutto, mortadella, coppa and/or soppressata
1 cup sliced pickled peppers, such as pepperoncini, banana peppers, giardiniera and/or jalapeƱos
1 small head iceberg lettuce (about 1 pound), thinly sliced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Rinse the red onion under cold water, then transfer to a large bowl. Add the red wine vinegar, dried oregano and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine and set aside.
  • Arrange the rolls cut side up so they lie flat. Spread with a thin layer of mustard and/or mayonnaise, if using. Shingle the entire surface with the cheese, then the cured meats. Scatter an even layer of pickled peppers.
  • Add the iceberg lettuce and olive oil to the onion-oregano mixture and toss until well coated. Season to taste with salt. Pile the lettuce on one side of the sandwich, then close the sandwich and press down lightly. If packing, wrap the sandwich tightly in parchment paper or foil, then cut in half crosswise. Sandwiches will keep for up to 4 hours refrigerated.

ITALIAN CHOPPED SALAD



Italian Chopped Salad image

Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King

Categories     side-dish

Time 30m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/2 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
2 cloves garlic, smashed and chopped
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
1 pound bacon
2 cups ditalini pasta, cooked al dente and cooled
1 cup crumbled gorgonzola
2 hearts romaine, chopped
1/4 small head red cabbage, chopped
1/4 head iceberg, chopped
1 to 2 large tomatoes, chopped
1/2 small red onion, minced

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • For the dressing: Place the vinegar, honey, Italian seasoning, garlic and some salt and pepper in a blender or food processor. While the machine is running, slowly drizzle the olive oil until the dressing is combined and emulsified. Adjust the seasoning if necessary, or add more oil if you want it less acidic.
  • For the salad: Lay out the bacon in rows on the prepared baking sheet. Place in the oven on the upper rack and cook until crisp, 10 to 15 minutes. Once it is nice and crispy, chop it up for your salad.
  • In a large bowl, combine the bacon, pasta, gorgonzola, romaine, cabbage, iceberg, tomatoes and red onions. Add the dressing and toss together until all is well coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

Tips:

  • For the freshest salad, use ripe, in-season vegetables.
  • Chop the vegetables into uniform pieces so that they cook evenly.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the vegetables. This will prevent them from steaming instead of roasting.
  • Roast the vegetables at a high temperature to get a nice caramelization.
  • Season the vegetables with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices.
  • For a more flavorful salad, use a variety of vegetables.
  • Add some protein to the salad, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
  • Top the salad with a flavorful dressing, such as a vinaigrette or a creamy dressing.
  • Serve the salad immediately or store it in the refrigerator for later.

Conclusion:

The Italian hero chopped salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or a snack. It's packed with fresh vegetables, protein, and flavor, and it's easy to make. With so many variations to choose from, you're sure to find a version of the Italian hero chopped salad that you'll love. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this salad a try.

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