Parmesan Chopped Salad
: A hearty, crunchy, and savory chopped salad featuring crisp romaine, chickpeas, salami, and shaved Parmesan, all tossed in a simple lemon-garlic dressing. It's an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for a quick meal or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce chopped (about 8 cups or {240 grams} chopped)
- 1 15 oz or {425 gram} can chickpeas, rinsed and drained well
- 1 cup {150 grams} chopped salami
- 1 cup {150 grams} halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup {75 grams} chopped roasted red peppers
- 1/2 a small red onion finely chopped (about 1/2 cup or {75 grams})
- 1 cup about 4 oz or {115 grams} Parmesan cheese block, for shaving
For the Lemon-Garlic Dressing:
- 1/3 cup {80 ml} extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons {45 ml} fresh lemon juice
- 1 small clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
instructions:
Step 1: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the salad.
Step 2: Chop the Salad Ingredients
- Wash the romaine lettuce and dry it thoroughly using a salad spinner or paper towels. Chop it into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large serving bowl. Chop the salami, roasted red peppers, and red onion. Add them to the bowl with the lettuce. Add the rinsed chickpeas and halved cherry tomatoes.
Step 3: Prepare the Parmesan
- Using a vegetable peeler, shave a large pile of thin ribbons from the block of Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Assemble and Toss
- Drizzle about three-quarters of the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Using clean hands or two large spoons, toss the salad vigorously until every component is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding the remaining dressing if desired.
Step 5: Serve
- Transfer the tossed salad to a serving platter or bowl. Scatter the remaining shaved Parmesan ribbons generously over the top. Let the salad rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to combine.
Notes
notes: This salad is best served immediately but undressed components can be stored separately for up to 2 days. For a vegetarian version, omit the salami and add extra beans or quinoa. Ensure lettuce is completely dry to prevent a soggy salad. Freshly shaved Parmesan from a block is highly recommended for optimal flavor and texture.