ITALIAN CHOPPED SALAD

From Marisa Wall: Recipe adapted from The Modern Proper

https://themodernproper.com/italian-chopped-salad

When Marisa makes it, it is more delicious. It is such a yummy salad but at least for me there are a lot of steps and it takes a lot of work. I made this for Emily's Bridal shower. No one said they loved it. I think it is yummy though and full of chunks of stuff! -Annette

This was the salad from the bridal shower.

Prep time: 30 min Serves: 8 (I think you can add more lettuce and it definitely serves more than 8)

INGREDIENTS

Dressing:

1/2 cup avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

For the Salad

Approximately 4 cups Spring Mix lettuce

1 romaine heart, chopped, about 3 to 4 cups

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

1 large red or yellow pepper, chopped

1 small cucumber, diced

8 to 10 whole Pepperoncini, thinly sliced

12-oz mini mozzarella balls

1 cup shaved Parmesan cheese

3/4 cup pitted black olives, halved

6 to 8 ounces pepperoni, cut into matchsticks

1/2 cup pickled red onions*

1 ounce fresh basil leaves, sliced into ribbons

Directions

1. Make the dressing. In a pint size glass jar

with a screw-top lid or a dressing cruet,

combine the oil, vinegar, garlic, mustard,

lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Vigorously shake or whisk until mixed well.

2. Make the salad. In a large bowl, combine

the Spring Mix, romaine, tomatoes, bell

pepper, cucumber, pepperoncini, both

cheeses, olives, pepperoni, onions, and basil.

Toss gently to combine.

3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss

until well coated.

Serve immediately.

*Pickled Onion Recipe

1 medium red onion, very thinly sliced

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup distilled white vinegar

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or additional

white vinegar

1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey

1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

Place sliced onion into a glass container. In a small saucepan combine water, vinegars, maple syrup (or honey), salt and red pepper flakes. Bring mixture to a light boil.