Cucina! Cucina! Italian Chopped Salad

Course: Brunch, Dinner, Entree, Lunch, Salad, Side Salad

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: chopped salad, Cucina Cucina, Italian, salad as a meal, side salad

Prep Time: 15

Total Time: 15

Servings: as an entree

Calories: 478kcal

I spent a summer in Seattle in the early 1990s. Living on a student budget, I didn't dine out much, but I do recall visiting Cucina! Cucina! before they went under, and having their Italian Chopped Salad. When Volume VII of the Bite of Seattle Cook Book came out that summer, including Cucina! Cucina!'s salad and dressing recipe, I couldn't leave without it. This is one of my all-time favorite salads, and can definitely be a great meal on its own.

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Prep Ahead

½ can (15 oz) chickpeas drained and lightly chopped
12 oz cooked chicken
8 oz dry wine salami diced
8 oz grape tomatoes coarsely chopped (optional - reserve half for garnish)
4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese coarse artisan shred, if available (optional - reserve half for garnish)
2 oz Provolone cheese (optional - reserve half for garnish)

When Ready To Serve

½ oz fresh basil finely chopped
3 scallions finely chopped (optional - reserve half for garnish)
4 attractive Romaine lettuce leaves reserve for garnish (optional)
1 head romaine lettuce coarsely chopped (approx. 1" pieces)
1 recipe Cucina! Cucina! Italian Vinaigrette

Instructions

Up to a Day in Advance

In a large bowl or sealable container, combine the chickpeas, chicken, salami, mozzarella and Provolone cheeses, and tomatoes. This mixture will store in the fridge for several days.

When Ready to Serve

In a large bowl, combine the pre-mixed meat and vegetables, basil, scallions, and chopped lettuce.
This salad is traditionally served pre-dressed. Add ½ to 1 cup of dressing, to taste and toss lightly.
Lay attractive lettuce leaves on individual salad plates as garnish. Evenly divide chopped salad mixture on top. If not dressed, serve with dressing on the side. Garnish with tomatoes, Provolone, and/or scallions if reserved.

Notes

Serves 4 as an entree, or 8 as an appetizer or side salad.

Inspired by: Cucina! Cucina! Chopped Salad from the Bite of Seattle Cook Book Volume VII

Turbo Instructions :

Up to a day in advance, combined chopped chickpeas, salami, grape tomatoes, and shredded mozzarella and provolone cheeses. When ready to serve, add finely chopped basil and scallions, and coarsely chopped Romaine lettuce. Dress before serving, or serve with dressing on the side.

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