Best 6 Skinny Italian Chopped Salad Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Have you ever heard of a famous Italian Chopped Salad? This classic Italian salad features crisp chopped romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, salty olives, tangy red onions, flavorful pepperoni, savory salami, nutty provolone cheese, and a zesty vinaigrette dressing. It's a symphony of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

But this recipe goes a step further by creating a skinny version that is just as delicious but much healthier. The secret is in the use of light mayonnaise, low-fat yogurt, and reduced-fat cheese. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and it's also a great way to use up leftover vegetables.

In this article, you'll find two different recipes for Skinny Italian Chopped Salad. The first recipe is for a classic chopped salad with all the traditional ingredients. The second recipe is for a lightened-up version that's perfect for those who are watching their weight or following a healthier diet. Both recipes are easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So what are you waiting for? Give these recipes a try today!

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

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

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

SKINNY ITALIAN CHOPPED SALAD



Skinny Italian Chopped Salad image

52% less fat • 36% fewer calories • 64% more vitamin C than the original recipe. This delicious salad is traditionally served sliced and diced.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Side Dish

Time 30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 17

6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
1 medium yellow or green bell pepper, coarsely chopped
1 medium unpeeled cucumber, chopped
3 plum (Roma) tomatoes, chopped
2 oz Genoa salami, chopped (1/3 cup)
1 can (15 oz) Progresso™ chickpeas, drained, rinsed
1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
1/4 cup very thinly sliced red onion
1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves
1 oz Parmesan cheese, shaved
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1 clove garlic, finely chopped

Steps:

  • In large bowl, toss all salad ingredients except cheese.
  • In small bowl, beat dressing ingredients with wire whisk until blended. Pour dressing over salad mixture; toss to coat. Top with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Fat 1, ServingSize 1 Serving, TransFat 0 g

ITALIAN CHOPPED SALAD



Italian Chopped Salad image

Italian Chopped Salad is my favorite quick lunch I love to whip up with ingredients I usually have on hand in my refrigerator! So simple, and can easily be modified to suit your taste.

Provided by Gina

Categories     Lunch     Salad

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 cups chopped romaine
1/2 cup peeled English cucumber (cubed)
1/2 cup halved cherry tomato
sliced red onion
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
kosher salt and black pepper
1/2 roasted red pepper (in water, chopped)
1 ounce genoa salami (sliced)
6 tablespoons shredded part-skim mozzarella

Steps:

  • Toss the lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion with oil and vinegar, season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Top with roasted red pepper, salami and mozzarella.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 /2, Calories 271 kcal, Carbohydrate 9 g, Protein 12 g, Fat 22 g, SaturatedFat 5.5 g, Cholesterol 22.5 mg, Sodium 556 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 3.5 g

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 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:

  • Use a variety of chopped vegetables to add color, texture, and flavor to your salad. Some good options include romaine lettuce, kale, spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, and radishes.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different dressings. A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper is always a good choice, but you could also try a creamy dressing made with Greek yogurt or avocado, or a tangy dressing made with citrus juice.
  • Add some protein to your salad to make it more filling. Some good options include grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beans.
  • Top your salad with some crunchy toppings, such as croutons, nuts, or seeds. This will add extra texture and flavor.
  • Serve your salad immediately after making it, or the vegetables will wilt and the dressing will lose its flavor.

Conclusion:

A chopped salad is a delicious and healthy way to get your daily dose of vegetables. It's also a great way to use up leftover vegetables that you have on hand. With so many different variations possible, you're sure to find a chopped salad that you love.

Related Topics