How to Make a Chopped Italian Salad with Deer Salami

I love a good, hearty salad and this chopped Italian salad with deer salami in it is packed with flavor, easy to throw together, and might just become your new favorite! Let’s dig in.

How to Make Chopped Italian Salad with Deer Salami

Let’s talk about salads. Not the sad, boring kind with a handful of iceberg lettuce and a few sad tomatoes. No, I’m talking about a bold, zesty, and flavor-packed Italian salad with deer salami that’s got just the right amount of crunch, tang, and heartiness to keep you coming back for more.

If you’ve got deer salami on hand, you’re in for a treat. If not, don’t worry—I’ll walk you through how to get some. Either way, this chopped Italian salad is going to be a new favorite.

Let’s Talk Dressing

You’ve got two choices: grab a bottle of Italian dressing from the store or whip up this homemade vinaigrette in no time at all. I promise it’s worth it.

Italian Vinaigrette Dressing

Use a jar with a lid for this. A mason jar works great. Also, a little bit goes a long way.

• Juice from 1 lemon – No seeds, please.
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons sugar – This helps to simmer down the strong vinegar taste.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or an Italian seasoning blend)
• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon salt (more to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (more to taste)

Put everything in the jar, screw on the lid, and give it a super good shake. And bam, homemade dressing!

Now, Let’s Build This Salad

Chopped Italian Salad Ingredients

• 2–3 heads of romaine lettuce, chopped
• ½ red onion, diced
• 1 (15-ounce) can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• Chopped deer salami – Eyeball it! We like a lot.
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
• ½ cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
• ¼ cup roasted red peppers, sliced
• 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped (or more if you love basil)

Let’s Put It Together

Grab a big bowl and toss in the chopped romaine lettuce. Add the diced red onion, drained chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, as much deer salami as your heart desires, sliced mozzarella, pepperoncini peppers, roasted red peppers, and fresh basil.

At this point, you’ve got two options:
1. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss it all together.
2. Serve the dressing on the side. (That’s what we do.)

Heads up: It might look like you don’t have enough dressing, but you do. This vinaigrette is light and coats everything perfectly. If you want to double it, just double each ingredient, but we even had some left over.

Why We Love Venison and Deer Salami

We’re big fans of venison in our house, and deer salami is no exception. Here’s why:

• We know exactly where it comes from. From field to table, there’s very little processing.
• It’s lean and clean. Unlike store-bought deli meats, venison isn’t greasy or overly fatty.
• Deer salami has incredible flavor. Especially when it’s mixed with jalapenos and cheese—like ours is!
• It’s versatile. You can eat it on crackers, in sandwiches, or in this amazing salad.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Can I Get Deer Salami?

If you don’t already have some in your freezer, check out Webb’s Meat Processing Plant. Another option? If you know a hunter, ask if you can cover the processing cost for part of their deer. Our favorite kind has jalapeños and cheese mixed in, and it’s absolutely delicious.

Is There Enough Dressing?

Yes! It’s a thin vinaigrette that spreads out nicely and coats everything. But if you love extra dressing, just double the recipe.

What If I Don’t Have Deer Salami?

No problem. Use regular salami, pepperoni, or any other cured meat that you love.

Can I Substitute Other Ingredients?

Absolutely! Here are some easy swaps:

• Iceberg lettuce instead of romaine
• Provolone cheese instead of mozzarella
• Garbanzo beans instead of chickpeas

Can I use this Italian chopped salad recipe for meal prep?

Absolutely! Just keep the dressing on the side. Store them in jars or in different airtight containers. 

Any Other Ideas for Toppings?

Yes! Try adding:

• Artichoke hearts
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Black olives
• Kalamata olives
• A mix of fresh greens
• Banana peppers
• Mozzarella balls
• Extra salty salami
• shaved parmesan cheese 
• savory meats
• green bell peppers

Delicious Venison Recipes You Might Want to Try

Easy Venison Stroganoff Recipe

Hearty Venison & Veggie Casserole

Slow Cooker Venison Stew

Time to be a doer and make this Hearty Italian Chopped Salad! 

This chopped Italian salad with deer salami is fresh, flavorful, and perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s an easy way to use up venison, and you can customize it however you like. You can serve it as a side dish or the main dish. 

Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!

With love,

Anna Sue