This Famous Italian Chopped Salad is the perfect balance of crisp greens, fresh veggies, creamy cheese, and savory meats, all tossed in a tangy, homemade creamy Italian dressing. Packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures, it’s a must-have for pasta night, game day, or anytime you crave a hearty, flavor-packed salad!

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If there’s one thing Italians do best (aside from pasta, pizza, and making you feel like family the second you walk in the door), it’s salad. And not just any salad—I’m talking about the Famous Italian Chopped Salad, where every bite is packed with flavor, texture, and that irresistible balance of briny, creamy, crunchy, and fresh.

This salad isn’t just a side dish; it’s a full-on experience. Whether you’re serving it up for a light lunch, a starter for pasta night, or piling it high for a game-day spread, this bowl of goodness is as classic as it gets. Let’s break down what makes it so special!

In this recipe, I use my salt-free Italian spice blend from my spice company – The Spice Girl Kitchen. I’m completely biased because it is, after all, my spice recipe and the best salt-free Italian seasoning on the market. But feel free to use whatever Italian spice you have on hand!

What Dressing Goes on an Italian Chopped Salad?

While you’ll find Italian chopped salads dressed in everything from a simple vinaigrette to a balsamic drizzle, the real magic happens with a creamy Italian dressing. Think of it as the perfect blend of tangy, herby, and garlicky, with just the right amount of richness to coat every crunchy bite.

Our homemade version combines mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic, and Parmesan for a silky-smooth dressing that clings to the greens and enhances every ingredient without overpowering them.

The olive oil adds that signature Mediterranean richness, while the black pepper and salt tie it all together. No bland, bottled dressings here—this one’s made to impress!

Famous Italian Chopped Salad Ingredient Breakdown

A great chopped salad is all about balance—crunchy, creamy, tangy, salty, and fresh. Here’s what each ingredient brings to the party:

Romaine Lettuce & Radicchio – The crisp romaine provides the perfect base, while radicchio adds a slight bitterness to balance the richness of the dressing and cheese.
Cherry Tomatoes & Red Bell Pepper – A pop of sweetness and juiciness to contrast the crunch.
Cucumber & Red Onion – Fresh and crisp with a little bite! Red onion gives a mild zing that wakes up your taste buds.
Mozzarella Pearls or Provolone – Creamy, mild, and a little indulgent. Provolone brings a sharper, more aged flavor if you want to mix it up.
Black or Kalamata Olives & Pepperoncini – Briny, tangy, and slightly spicy—these add that signature Italian zest.
Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas) – A hearty, protein-packed addition that brings a nutty creaminess.
Genoa Salami or Prosciutto – Salty, savory, and just the right amount of indulgence to make this salad feel like a full meal.
Parmesan Cheese (Shaved) – The king of umami! Shaving it instead of grating gives you delicious little pockets of salty, nutty goodness.

Toss all of this together with that creamy Italian dressing, and you’ve got a forkful of perfection in every bite.

How to Serve It

This salad is a showstopper on its own, but if you want to go full Italian feast mode, serve it with:

A crusty loaf of garlic bread
A bowl of pasta (because carbs + salad = happiness)
A charcuterie board for the ultimate appetizer spread

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Italian chopped salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you’re meal prepping or making it ahead:

Dressing: Store separately in a jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Give it a good shake before using!
Salad ingredients: Chop everything ahead of time, but wait to add the dressing until just before serving.
Leftovers? The dressed salad will keep in an airtight container for about a day, but it will soften over time.

Now, go grab your biggest bowl and make this salad—you won’t regret it! Buon appetito! 🥗✨