Italian Chopped Salad

This was our dinner tonight.  We weren't all that hungry, but craved something healthy and light.  This Italian Chopped Salad hit the spot.  It was very good.  Although this wasn't on my menu calendar, I did prepare for this to have at some point.  It was great too because it used up most all of my produce that needed to be used very soon.  Flexibility in your schedule is key.  As long as you're prepared for it, it all works out in the end!  Enjoy! 

  

Italian Chopped Salad:

In the process - Angelina gave me a hand.  She's a great little helper.  See my wonderful peeler (the little green thing sitting on the cutting mat)?  It is great and so easy to use - you have to get one!  Here's the link to buy one on Amazon: Chef'n Vibe Palm Peeler

Italian Chopped Salad Recipe

Prep Time: 30 min
Start to Finish: 1 hr
Calories/Serving: 250
Makes: 8 servings (1 2/3 cups each)

Salad
6    cups chopped romaine lettuce
2    cups shredded cooked chicken breast
1    medium yellow or green bell pepper, coarsely chopped
1    medium unpeeled cucumber, chopped
3    plum (Roma) tomatoes, chopped
2    oz Genoa salami, chopped (1/3 cup)
1    can (15 oz) Progresso® chick peas, drained, rinsed
1/2    cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
1/4    cup very thinly sliced red onion
1/2    cup torn fresh basil leaves
1    oz Parmesan cheese, shaved
Dressing
3    tablespoons olive oil
3    tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1    teaspoon Dijon mustard
1    teaspoon sugar
1/8    teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1    clove garlic, finely chopped
1.    In large bowl, toss all salad ingredients except cheese.
2.    In small bowl, beat dressing ingredients with wire whisk until blended. Pour dressing over salad mixture; toss to coat. Top with cheese.

Nutritional Information:
1 Serving: Calories 250 (Calories from Fat 110); Total Fat 12g (Saturated Fat 2 1/2g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 40mg; Sodium 320mg; Total Carbohydrate 19g (Dietary Fiber 4g, Sugars 4g); Protein 18g
Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 50%; Vitamin C 70%; Calcium 10%; Iron 15%
Exchanges: 1 Starch; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 2 Lean Meat; 1 Fat
Carbohydrate Choices: 1

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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