Italian Chopped Salad

mozzarella balls

🥗Healthier: feta cheese

💰Cheaper: shredded mozzarella

Feta adds tanginess while reducing calories.

salami

🥗Healthier: turkey slices

💰Cheaper: ham

Turkey is leaner and lower in fat.

red wine vinegar

🥗Healthier: apple cider vinegar

💰Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar offers a fruity flavor.

kalamata olives

🥗Healthier: green olives

💰Cheaper: canned black olives

Green olives are lower in calories.

Shred 2 cups of lettuce or use a bag of shredded lettuce and place in a large bowl.

Defrost 1 cup of frozen peas and add to the bowl.

Chop 1/2 of a red bell pepper and add to the salad.

Cook and crumble 8 slices of bacon, then add to the mixture.

Chop 3 green onions and add to the salad.

Add 1/3 cup of crumbled blue cheese to the bowl.

Chop 1.5 cups of red cabbage and add to the salad.

Cook 1 cup of ditalini pasta according to package instructions for 8 minutes, then cool and add to the salad.

In a blender or food processor, combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of honey, and juice of 1/2 lemon.

Add 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese to the dressing.

Blend the dressing until smooth.

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss to combine.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens