Delicious and Nutritious Chopped Salad Recipe
Are you looking for a salad recipe that will make your taste buds dance with joy? Look no further than the Cucina! Cucina! Chopped Salad (Copycat) Recipe. This salad is inspired by the popular restaurant recipe from the Italian-inspired eatery, and it’s sure to impress your guests.
The Cucina! Cucina! Chopped Salad is a perfect appetizer for any dinner party or a light lunch on a hot summer day. The salad is loaded with greens, chopped tomatoes, green onions, chickpeas, salami, and chicken. It’s topped with provolone and mozzarella cheese and served with a homemade dressing that perfectly complements the dish.
As a scribe for a home chef who loves throwing parties, I can attest that this salad is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you are having a few friends over for dinner or hosting a big party, the Cucina! Cucina! Chopped Salad is an excellent choice. Trust me; once you make this recipe, you’ll never want to go back to another boring salad again.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and let’s get started making this delicious salad today!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a salad lover? Do you always crave for those delightful and healthy green leaves on your plate? If so, then this recipe is a must-try for you. This cucina cucina chopped salad copycat recipe will surely satisfy your craving and make your taste buds dance with joy.
What’s great about this salad is not just its name but also its delectable ingredients that are all perfectly mixed together. Imagine enjoying freshly chopped iceberg lettuce, roma tomatoes, cooked chicken, salami, provolone cheese, mozzarella cheese lightly chopped chickpeas, and many more. Plus, when dressed with homemade Italian dressing and topped with grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, it becomes an explosion of flavors in your mouth.
Moreover, this salad not only tastes great but is also very healthy. The combined nutrients from the greens and lean protein of chicken will give you the energy to power through your day.
Lastly, this recipe is versatile in terms of serving. Whether as an appetizer or a side dish for a party or a family dinner, it’s perfect for all occasions. With its vibrant appearance and delightful taste, this dish would be an excellent addition to your menu while being simple to prepare.
Give this cucina cucina chopped salad recipe a shot now and experience the satisfaction that comes with good food that is both delicious and healthy.
Ingredient List
Before we start making the Cucina! Cucina! Chopped Salad (Copycat) recipe, let’s go through the list of ingredients we are going to need. Don’t worry, all these are easily found items and will offer an irresistibly fresh and flavorful salad.
Here Are the Ingredients You Will Need:
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped into small pieces
- 4 ounces shredded or cubed cooked chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup fontina cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup provolone cheese, shredded
- 5 oz dry salami, sliced into 1/4 inch pieces, then quartered
- 1/2 cup garbanzo beans (chickpeas), rinsed and drained
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 5 roma tomatoes, diced into small chunks
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped basil leaves
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1 cup olive oil
- 3/4 cup red wine vinegar
- Juice of one lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- Salt and fresh coarse ground black pepper to taste
All these ingredients are essential for creating that perfect blend of flavors that have come to define this popular Cucina! Cucina! Chopped Salad. Next up, get ready to make some magic happen.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get into the juicy part – the recipe how-to! I’m excited to share this Cucina! Cucina! Chopped Salad Copycat Recipe with you. Trust me, it’s worth all the effort.
Gather the Ingredients
Before getting started, ensure you have all the ingredients ready. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need:
- 1 head of iceberg lettuce
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 4 ounces of provolone cheese, diced
- 1 cup of cooked chicken breasts, diced
- 4 ounces of dry salami or chickpeas (for a vegetarian option), diced
- 5 plum tomatoes, seeded and diced
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, diced
- 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- ⅓ cup of grated parmesan cheese
For The Dressing:
– ¾ cup olive oil
– 2½ tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– ½ teaspoon garlic salt
– Fresh coarse ground black pepper to taste
Prepare the Vegetables and Chicken
First, wash and dry the lettuce leaves. Chop them into small pieces and transfer them to a large bowl.
Add in the chopped green onions and diced provolone cheese to the bowl.
Next up is the chicken. Take one cup of cooked chicken breasts and dice them into small pieces. Add that to the bowl with the salami or chickpeas.
Add seeded and diced plum tomatoes, along with fresh mozzarella cheese, into the mix.
Prepare the Dressing
Making homemade Italian dressing is simple. Begin by pouring olive oil into a food processor jar followed by red wine vinegar, granulated sugar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, garlic salt and black pepper to taste. Blend until thoroughly combined.
Combine Everything
Now that you’ve prepared vegetables and dressing separately, it’s time to combine everything together.
Add the dressing slowly over your vegetable mixture until lightly coated. Do not oversaturate – this salad depends on a light coating.
add grated parmesan cheese to finish it off!
Finishing Touches
To serve Cucina! Cucina! Chopped Salad Copycat Recipe in true Italian fashion, lightly toss salad before placing onto plates or a serving dish.
Savor each bite of this restaurant-quality meal that is sure to win over your guests at any dinner party or potluck event. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you feeling experimental? Do you want to add a personal touch to this already amazing Cucina! Cucina! Chopped Salad Copycat Recipe? Then let’s talk about some substitutions and variations you can try.
First up, the greens. If you’re not in the mood for crispy iceberg lettuce leaves, mix things up with some freshly washed and dried romaine or butter lettuce. You could also swap out the lettuce altogether for arugula, spinach, or kale.
Now, let’s focus on the protein. Chicken breasts are perfect for this salad but if you’re in the mood for something different, substitute it with cooked shrimp, turkey breast or grilled steak. Vegetarians can skip the meat entirely and use crumbled tofu or chickpeas in its place.
For cheese lovers out there, make use of different types of cheese such as feta, blue cheese or even goat cheese instead of provolone and mozzarella. The chickpeas could be easily swapped out for white beans or black beans too.
To give your salad a different flavor twist in the dressing department, ditch the Italian dressing for balsamic vinaigrette with honey mustard. Add freshly squeezed orange juice to make it more interesting. For an extra creamy option, blend 1 tablespoon of sour cream with your dressing ingredients.
Finally, consider incorporating antipasto salad ingredients like roasted red peppers or marinated vegetables such as artichokes and olives to elevate your salad game. Try experimenting with these variations and substitutions to make your recipe unique!
Serving and Pairing
Now, let’s talk about serving and pairing this delicious salad. A great thing about the Cucina! Cucina! Chopped Salad is its versatility. You can serve it as a main dish or as a side dish. If you are making it as a main dish, you can pair it with some garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to make a complete meal.
Moreover, if you are hosting a party or get-together, this salad will impress your guests as an appetizer too! Serve it on small plates so that everyone can grab and enjoy it easily. This salad is perfect for potlucks or outdoor barbecues where light and refreshing sides are necessary. It’s also ideal for lunchboxes and picnics – just pack in individual containers and keep them in a cooler until ready to eat.
Additionally, wine lovers will appreciate that this salad pairs perfectly with crisp white wines or fruity reds. The tangy and slightly sweet flavor rendered by the dressing complements white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, whereas reds like Chianti or Zinfandel can add more depth to the dish’s hearty flavors.
Overall, whether as an appetizer or main dish, the Cucina! Cucina! Chopped Salad is perfect for any occasion. Its fantastic combination of flavors and versatility provides endless options for serving and pairing, making it an ideal addition to your recipe arsenal.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re planning to host a party, the last thing you want to do is prepare everything at the last minute. That’s why I’m here with tips on how to make this Cucina! Cucina! Chopped Salad recipe ahead of time. The good news is that this salad can be made ahead and still taste great!
To make it ahead of time, you can do most of the prep work ahead of your party so all you need to do is assemble the salad when your guests are there. You can clean and chop your lettuce leaves and store them in an airtight container in your fridge for up to two days. Similarly, you can also chop your green onions, dice your plum tomatoes, and cube your provolone cheese in advance and store each ingredient separately.
When it comes to storing the actual salad, store it in an airtight container in your fridge for up to three days. However, I recommend storing the dressing separately so that your salad doesn’t end up getting soggy. This also makes it easier to reheat just the salad portion of the recipe.
To reheat this salad, all you need to do is place it in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it on high for 30-60 seconds. Be careful not to overcook as you don’t want the ingredients wilted from reheating.
One of the great things about this salad is how versatile it is; it’s perfect as a side dish or even as a light lunch throughout the week. So go ahead and make a big batch – you won’t regret it!
Tips for Perfect Results
Are you looking to create the ultimate chopped salad experience for your next dinner party? Look no further! Here are a few tips and recommendations to help you achieve perfect results with our recipe:
1. Use high-quality ingredients
It’s important to use fresh, high-quality ingredients when making this chopped salad. Opt for ripe plum tomatoes, fresh crisp lettuce leaves, and flavorful provolone cheese to enhance the taste and texture of the salad.
2. Don’t skimp on the dressing
The dressing is what brings all of the flavors in this salad together. Make sure to mix the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, granulated sugar and garlic well for a full-bodied flavor. Add salt and pepper according to your taste.
3. Mix it up
The recipe calls for iceberg lettuce, but feel free to mix in some other leafy greens if you prefer. Arugula or spinach adds a great touch of color and nutrients. You could try mixing different shredded cheeses like mozzarella or parmesan cheese.
4. Use a food processor
Consider using a food processor to chop up your ingredients into even, bite-size pieces quickly and easily. This way it will look like a professional made dish.
5. Chill everything
Ensure that all of your ingredients are properly chilled before serving this dish – they will be more refreshing and delicious if consumed at appropriate temperature!
By following these tips, I guarantee that you’ll have everyone begging for seconds of the Cucina! Cucina! Chopped Salad at your next party!
FAQ
As with any recipe, you may have questions about the Cucina! Cucina! Chopped Salad (Copycat) Recipe before you start preparing it. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you out with your culinary endeavors.
Why do chopped salads taste better?
According to the founder of Chopt, flavor is the foundation of a great meal. To ensure that flavors are fully appreciated, Chopt goes to great lengths to source high-quality ingredients. Chopping is a crucial factor in bringing out the best in these ingredients, resulting in a more tantalizing taste.
What is chopped Italian salad made of?
For this salad, we’re looking for a harmonious mixture of greens and colors. To achieve this, we’ll need a blend of fresh romaine lettuce and slightly bitter radicchio leaves. Adding a salty kick, we’ll throw in some savory salami and black olives. To spice things up, thinly sliced bell pepper and tangy pepperoncini will do the trick. We’ll also add a touch of creaminess with mini mozzarella balls and a crisp crunch from sliced cucumber. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh basil will bring it all together.
Bottom Line
:
So, are you ready to bring the taste of Cucina! Cucina! Chopped Salad to your home? This copycat recipe is super easy and quick to make. With fresh veggies, juicy chicken, and a delightful blend of flavors in the dressing, this chopped salad guarantees to impress your guests.
What’s more, this salad is incredibly versatile. You can easily substitute the ingredients depending on your preferences or what you have available in your fridge. You could even add some pasta or croutons to make it a bit heartier. Trust me; your imagination is the only limit!
So why not take inspiration from the popular restaurant recipes and enjoy a delicious chopped salad at home? You won’t regret trying this recipe out. Let’s head to the kitchen and start chopping! Happy cooking!
Cucina! Cucina! Chopped Salad (Copycat) Recipe
Ingredients
Italian Vinaigrette
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 cup olive oil
Salad
- 4 ounces cooked chickpeas, lightly chopped
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped into 1/4- to 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 cup fresh basil leaf, chopped
- 1 cup coarsely grated mozzarella cheese
- 12 ounces diced poached chicken breasts
- 8 ounces dry wine salami, diced
- 8 ounces plum tomatoes, diced, divided
- 1/2 cup grated provolone cheese, divided
- 3 thin green onions, thinly sliced, divided
- 8 lettuce leaves
Instructions
- To prepare vinaigrette: Combine egg yolk and water in a small bowl; whisk well. Cover the bowl with a small plate and microwave on HIGH for 10 seconds or until the mixture starts to expand. Continue to cook 5 seconds longer. Whisk with a clean whisk. Cover, then cook on high for 5 seconds. Remove from the microwave, whisk with a clean whisk, cover and let sit 1 minute. (This process heats the egg enough to kill any harmful bacteria.).
- In a food processor, combine egg mixture, Dijon, garlic, salt, pepper, dry mustard, oregano, sugar, vinegar and lemon juice; process to blend. Blend in grated parmesan if you choose to add it. Slowly add olive oil, processing until emulsified. Set aside.
- To prepare salad: Combine chickpeas, iceberg lettuce, basil, mozzarella, chicken, salami, half of the tomatoes, half of the provolone and half of the green onions. Toss with dressing. (You may not need all of the dressing. Refrigerate any that remains.).
- Divide evenly among 8 lettuce-lined plates. Garnish with remaining tomatoes, provolone and green onions.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!