gluten-free | dairy-free
This Italian salami and chickpea chopped salad is a hearty, protein-packed dinner in one bowl—salami, chickpeas, romaine, roasted red peppers, olives, and artichoke hearts in a zesty vinaigrette. Gluten-free and dairy-free (use nutritional yeast in the dressing; add cheese if you’re dairyful).
Over thirty years ago, I had a version of this salad in Los Angeles. Then, a month or so ago, for some reason, I thought about it again and wanted to make it for myself and revisit those wonderful flavors. I remembered loving the combination of salami, chickpeas, and a wonderful vinaigrette. That salad of my memories, however, also had Mozzarella cheese, which I left out of this recipe. You can add it back in if you are dairyful. See note below.
The combination of salami and chickpeas may seem strange, but after you try this salad, you will understand why they go so well together. Packed with protein and flavor, this salad is perfect for dinner or lunch and is very easy to make. The homemade vinaigrette adds a wonderful zestiness, and the roasted red peppers and black olives add additional layers of flavor.
Recipe Notes
- Although the vinaigrette is delicious, you can dress the salad with a store-bought version to save time.
- I used Italian Dry Salami in a Chub (thick stick of meat), and you can use just about any thick salami. Don’t use luncheon salami. The salad needs a thicker piece of salami for the best flavor and texture.
- I cut the salami into quarters, and if you want it bigger or smaller, go right ahead.
- I marinated the chickpeas for a bit, but it’s not critical. Marinating does soften them some, though.
- I used Castelvetrano olives, and you can use those or black olives or another type of olive.]
- You may want to use a different lettuce-to-ingredient ratio than the recipe calls for. Feel free to add more or less lettuce or switch up the types of lettuce.
- I added grated Pecorino Romano cheese (made from sheep’s milk which I can tolerate). If you cannot eat sheep or goat cheese (along with cow’s milk cheese), add a teaspoon of nutritional yeast to the dressing instead.
- And, if you are dairyful, add 1 cup of shredded Mozzarella cheese.
Now, go eat something amazing!
Gluten-Free Italian Chopped Salad
The Ingredients
For the Salad
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 cups iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 7 oz salami, Italian dry, sliced
- 14 oz garbanzo beans, (chickpeas) in the can
- 1/2 medium red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup Castelvetrano olives, halved or sliced
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1/4 cup artichoke hearts, marinated, chopped
For the Vinaigrette
- 3/4 cup olive oil, extra virgin
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup Pecorino Romano , sheep-based cheese, grated, or 1 tsp nutritional yeast
- 1/2 tsp oregano, dried
- 1/2 tsp basil, dried
- salt and pepper to taste
The Process
Mise en Place
- Gather all your ingredients. You will need a large bowl for the salad, a squeeze bottle for the dressing, and a medium-sized bowl for the chickpeas.
- Open the can of chickpeas and drain but do not rinse. Add to a bowl and set aside.
Make the Vinaigrette & Marinate the Chickpeas
- If using the Pecorino Romano cheese, grate 1/2 cup and set aside. Measure and add to the squeeze bottle the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dijon, oregano, and basil. Add the cheese and season with kosher salt and pepper. Shake vigorously to mix.
- Add about 1-2 tablespoons of the vinaigrette to the chickpeas and mix gently to combine. Let sit for 15 minutes.
Prep the Salad Ingredients
- Chop the romaine and iceberg lettuce and add to a large bowl. Slice the red onion, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and black olives and add to the bowl. Mix gently to combine.
- Slice the salami into circles about 1/8 to a 1/4 inch thick. Slice again in quarters and add to the salad.
Finish the Salad
- Add the marinated chickpeas to the salad, and mix well to combine. If you are dressing the salad in the bowl, add about a quarter cup (or as much or as little as you like) to the bowl and mix to combine. Otherwise, serve the salad from the bowl and let your guest add the dressing.