Italian Chopped Salad

Ingredients

• 1 head romain lettuce (sliced)
• 1 small head chicory (radicchio) (sliced)
• 1 x 400g / 14 oz can of chickpeas (drained)
• 3 baby cucumbers (or 1/2 long cucumber)
• 200 g / 7 oz cherry tomatoes
• 1 red pepper (thinly sliced)
• 125 g / 4 oz mozzarella pearls ((baby mozzarella balls))
• 10 slices salami (cut into strips)
• 2 pepperoncini (sliced)
• 10 - 15 black olives (pitted and cut in half)
• 2 tbsp flaked Parmesan cheese
• 1 shallot (thinly sliced)
• 10 leaves fresh basil (or 1/2 tsp dried basil)
• 1/2 clove garlic (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
• 1/2 lemon (zest only)
• 1 lemon (juice only)
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1. 1

   In a large salad bowl combine the sliced romain lettuce and chicory. Add the drained canned chickpeas, sliced cucumber, sliced red pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, halved mozzarella pearls, halved black olives, salami slices cut into strips, sliced pepperoncini, and thinly sliced shallots, and flaked Parmesan cheese. (You can either grate the Parmesan cheese or use a vegetable peeler to create thin flakes.)

2. 2

   In a mason jar combine the chopped fresh basil, lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, salt and olive oil. Cover with a lid and shake well till combined. Alternatively, you can make the dressing in a small blender.

3. 3

   Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss to coat. Taste and season with salt.