Pin it Last summer, my neighbor brought this to our block party and I literally hovered near the serving bowl the entire evening, going back for third and fourth helpings while pretending to help clean up. The combination of crunchy peppers, salty salami, and that tangy dressing creates something completely addictive that you just cant stop eating.
I started making this for my weekly meal prep after realizing it kept beautifully for days unlike most salads. Now it is become my go to for whenever I need to bring something to a potluck because people always ask for the recipe before they even finish their first serving.
Ingredients
- Chickpeas: These creamy little beans add substance and protein while soaking up all that zesty dressing beautifully
- Cherry tomatoes: Quarter them so they release their juices and mix with the dressing for extra flavor
- Cucumber and peppers: The crisp crunch here is essential for that satisfying texture in every bite
- Red onion: Finely chopped so you get sharp bite without overwhelming the other ingredients
- Pepperoncini: These bring a tangy heat that cuts through the rich cheese and salami
- Salami: Cut into small cubes so every forkful gets some of that savory cured meat flavor
- Mozzarella pearls: The mild creaminess balances all the bold salty and tangy elements
- Black olives: They add briny depth that ties all the Italian flavors together
- Extra virgin olive oil: Use the good stuff here since it really carries the dressing
- Red wine vinegar: Gives the dressing its classic Italian zip and brightness
- Dijon mustard: Just enough to emulsify everything and add a subtle sharpness
- Garlic clove: Minced fresh so it distributes evenly without any harsh raw bite
- Dried oregano: The quintessential Italian herb that makes everything taste authentic
- Fresh basil and parsley: Finish with these for bright fresh notes that wake up the whole bowl
Instructions
- Prep all your vegetables:
- Drain and rinse those chickpeas until the water runs completely clear then quarter the tomatoes and dice the cucumber and peppers into small uniform pieces
- Combine the base:
- Throw everything except the fresh herbs into your largest bowl and give it a gentle toss to distribute all the colorful ingredients
- Make the dressing:
- Whisk the olive oil vinegar mustard garlic oregano salt and pepper until completely emulsified or shake it up in a jar
- Dress it up:
- Pour that tangy dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly until every single ingredient is coated
- Add the finishing touch:
- Sprinkle the chopped basil and parsley on top right before serving and toss one more time
Pin it This salad became my daughters absolute favorite after she took it to school for lunch and came home demanding I make it every single week. There is something about the mix of textures and flavors that makes it completely irresistible.
Make It Your Own
I have swapped in marinated artichokes when I was out of salami and it was just as delicious. Roasted red peppers add such a smoky depth if you want something a little different from the fresh peppers.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This is one of those rare salads that actually tastes better the next day. The chickpeas and vegetables absorb more of the dressing and all the flavors marry together into something even more delicious than when freshly made.
Serving Ideas
Serve this alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal or pile it onto crusty bread for an incredible sandwich. It also works beautifully as a topping for crostini at your next gathering.
- Keep it vegetarian by leaving out the salami and adding extra cheese
- Try adding marinated mushrooms for even more umami flavor
- Serve in a hollowed out sourdough bowl for an impressive presentation
Pin it This is the kind of recipe that will become a permanent part of your regular rotation once you taste how good it is.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can assemble all the ingredients up to 2 hours ahead. Store in the refrigerator and add the dressing just before serving to keep vegetables crisp and textures intact.
- → How do I make this salad vegetarian?
Simply omit the salami or replace it with marinated artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers for similar savory depth and satisfying texture.
- → What type of mozzarella works best?
Fresh mozzarella pearls (ciliegine) are ideal for authentic antipasto flavor and easy mixing. Alternatively, dice fresh mozzarella into small cubes for consistent bites throughout.
- → Can I customize the vegetables?
Absolutely. Add marinated mushrooms, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or zucchini. Adjust quantities based on preference while maintaining the balance of fresh and marinated elements.
- → How should I serve this salad?
Serve immediately as a standalone salad or appetizer. For a heartier meal, pair with crusty bread. This salad also works beautifully on a bed of mixed greens or as a topping for grilled bread.
- → What allergens are present in this dish?
This salad contains milk (mozzarella), sulfites (salami, olives, vinegar), and mustard. Check labels on salami and cheese for potential gluten and soy. Always verify ingredient labels for specific allergen concerns.