Description
Vibrant Mexican-inspired deli-style chopped salad combines zesty flavors with crisp textures for an unforgettable meal. Fresh ingredients and bold dressing create a delightful culinary experience you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- ½ cup salami or pepperoni, diced
- ½ cup provolone cheese, diced (or mozzarella cubes)
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Greens:
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 cups iceberg lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, halved (optional)
Vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Chop crisp lettuce into bite-sized pieces and transfer to a spacious mixing vessel, creating a verdant base for the salad.
- Prepare fresh vegetables by quartering juicy tomatoes, slicing crisp cucumbers, and finely cutting red onions into delicate rings.
- Integrate an array of deli meats including turkey, ham, and salami, cutting them into uniform small pieces to ensure balanced flavor distribution.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese throughout the salad, allowing it to intermingle with the meats and vegetables for enhanced texture and taste.
- Enhance the salad’s complexity by adding briny sliced olives and sweet peppers, which contribute vibrant flavor notes and visual appeal.
- For additional protein and richness, carefully slice hard-boiled eggs and gently fold them into the salad mixture.
- Introduce a delightful crunch by scattering croutons or roasted chickpeas across the top of the prepared ingredients.
- Create a harmonious dressing by whisking together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, honey, salt, and freshly ground pepper in a separate container.
- Drizzle the freshly prepared dressing over the salad and thoroughly toss, ensuring each ingredient is evenly coated with the zesty vinaigrette.
- Serve immediately to preserve the crisp textures and vibrant flavors of this deli-inspired culinary creation.
Notes
- Adjust deli meat portions for protein control, using lean turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Swap cheese with low-fat or plant-based alternatives to reduce calories and accommodate dairy-free diets.
- Prepare vegetables ahead of time to save cooking time and maintain crisp textures throughout the day.
- Experiment with different herb combinations in the dressing to personalize flavor profiles and keep the salad exciting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg