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- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 medium red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped (canned or jarred) - 1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper, to taste The heart of this Italian chopped salad is fresh produce. I love using ingredients that burst with flavor. Start with cherry tomatoes; they add sweetness and color. Diced cucumber gives a nice crunch. The red bell pepper adds a pop of brightness, while the red onion brings depth. Each ingredient plays a part in this tasty mix. For added texture, we incorporate artichoke hearts. They offer a unique taste that pairs well with the other veggies. Don’t forget about the mozzarella balls. They add a creamy touch that makes every bite delightful. The dressing is simple but essential. Balsamic vinegar adds tang, while extra-virgin olive oil gives richness. Dried oregano adds a hint of earthiness. Season with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. This combination creates a dressing that ties the salad together perfectly. To see the full recipe, refer to the previous section. - Wash and chop all fresh produce. - Combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion in a bowl. Start by washing each ingredient under cold water. This cleans off any dirt and helps keep your salad fresh. Next, halve the cherry tomatoes. Dice the cucumber and red bell pepper into small pieces. Finely chop the red onion. This step is key for even flavor in every bite. - Add chopped artichoke hearts, mozzarella balls, black olives, and basil to the mixing bowl. Once your fresh produce is ready, it's time to mix. Carefully add the chopped artichoke hearts, halved mozzarella balls, sliced black olives, and chopped basil into the bowl. Give it a gentle stir to combine all the colors and textures. This mix brings a burst of flavor to the salad. - Whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil. Add the dried oregano, salt, and pepper. The goal is to create a smooth dressing that brings everything together. This dressing will enhance the salad's fresh flavors. - Drizzle dressing over salad ingredients. - Gently toss to coat everything evenly. Now, drizzle your dressing over the salad mix. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss the salad. This helps coat all the ingredients without bruising them. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld. This added time makes each bite even more delicious! Let the salad rest for 10 minutes before serving for the best flavor. This short wait helps all the ingredients mix well. You will taste the difference! Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences. Maybe you like more salt or a bit more vinegar. Don't be shy; make it yours! Serve in a colorful bowl with whole basil leaves on top. This adds a pop of color and makes it look fresh. Consider garnishing with extra olives for visual appeal. A few extra black olives can make the salad even more inviting! {{image_4}} You can add grilled chicken or shrimp to your salad for a heartier meal. The protein enhances the flavor and makes it more filling. Grilled chicken gives a nice smoky taste. Shrimp adds a sweet and tender bite. Both options pair well with the fresh veggies. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces before mixing them in. Try using romaine or spinach for your salad greens. These options add texture and nutrients. Romaine gives a nice crunch. Spinach offers a mild flavor that blends well with the other ingredients. You can even mix different greens for a colorful look and varied taste. This way, you can customize your salad each time. For a plant-based version, use a vegan cheese or skip cheese altogether. There are many tasty vegan cheese options made from nuts or soy. They melt well and add creaminess. If you prefer to skip cheese, add extra veggies or nuts for texture. This way, you can enjoy a fresh and healthy salad that fits your diet. Store your salad in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy your tasty salad later without losing flavor. Just make sure to keep it sealed tight to avoid any unwanted odors. To keep your salad crisp, always store the dressing separately. Mix it in just before serving. This helps maintain the fresh crunch of the veggies. When you pour the dressing on right away, moisture can make the salad soggy. Keeping it separate preserves the vibrant flavors and textures of the salad. An Italian chopped salad is a mix of fresh Italian vegetables, cheese, and a tasty dressing. It is often served cold. The salad usually includes cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and olives. You can add mozzarella for creaminess and artichokes for extra flavor. This salad is colorful and packed with nutrients. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. However, dress it only before serving. This keeps the vegetables crisp and fresh. If you dress it too early, the veggies can get soggy. To save time, you can chop the veggies and store them in the fridge. Several dressings work well with Italian chopped salad. Balsamic vinaigrette adds a sweet and tangy flavor. Italian dressing brings a nice herb blend. You can also try a lemon-herb dressing for a bright taste. Each dressing adds its own twist to the salad. Italian chopped salad pairs well with many dishes. It is great alongside grilled meats like chicken or steak. You can also serve it with sandwiches for a light lunch. It makes a lovely addition to a buffet spread for parties. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section above. This blog post shared a fresh and tasty Italian Chopped Salad recipe. We covered essential ingredients, easy steps, and smart tips to make it shine. Remember, letting the salad sit enhances its flavor. You can also customize it with proteins or different greens. Lastly, store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy this colorful salad as a side or main dish, and get creative with variations! Your meals will be bright and delicious with this simple recipe.

Italian Chopped Salad

Elevate your meal with this colorful and fresh Vibrant Italian Chopped Salad! Packed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, artichoke hearts, and mozzarella, this salad is perfect for lunch or a side dish at dinner. Discover how to create a delicious homemade dressing that ties all the flavors together. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds! Click to explore the full recipe and bring a taste of Italy to your table!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 medium red onion, finely chopped

1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped (canned or jarred)

1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved

1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Begin by thoroughly washing all your fresh produce. Halve the cherry tomatoes, then dice the cucumber and red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the red onion. This ensures an even distribution of flavors throughout your salad.

    In a large mixing bowl, carefully combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, chopped artichoke hearts, halved mozzarella balls, sliced black olives, and chopped basil leaves. Stir gently so as not to break any of the ingredients.

      For the dressing, in a small bowl or a jar with a lid, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil until well mixed. Add in the dried oregano, along with salt and pepper to taste. The goal is to create a smooth, emulsified dressing that enhances the salad's flavors.

        Drizzle the prepared dressing over the vibrant salad mixture, ensuring an even coverage.

          Gently toss the salad using a large spoon or spatula, taking care to coat all the ingredients in the dressing without bruising them.

            Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar according to your preference.

              Allow the salad to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This resting period lets the flavors meld together beautifully and adds depth to each bite.

                - Prep Time: 15 minutes

                  - Total Time: 25 minutes

                    - Servings: 4-6

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large, colorful bowl. For added visual appeal, garnish with a few whole basil leaves on top and a sprinkle of black olives for contrast.