Spicy Chopped Italian Salad with Assorted Meats and Pepperoncini
A hearty chopped salad mixing crisp greens, savory Italian meats, cheeses, and tangy pepperoncini tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. This italian-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs mixed greens, sliced salami, cubed provolone cheese into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 2 oz sliced salami
- 2 oz cubed provolone cheese
- 2 oz cubed mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Chop 2 oz sliced salami into 1/2-inch pieces, and cube 2 oz each of provolone and mozzarella cheese into similar sizes.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed greens, chopped salami, the cubed cheeses, 1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers, 1/4 cup chopped red onion, and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until well combined.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Step 5: Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, spicy, and savory flavors at their peak.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Chopped Italian Salad with Assorted Meats and Pepperoncini take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Spicy Chopped Italian Salad with Assorted Meats and Pepperoncini?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep mixed greens from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Chopped Italian Salad with Assorted Meats and Pepperoncini?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spicy Chopped Italian Salad with Assorted Meats and Pepperoncini for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Spicy Chopped Italian Salad with Assorted Meats and Pepperoncini?
Italian salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.