We’ve always been captivated by Chiapparelli’s Baltimore Salad, a hearty Italian-American favorite born in the heart of Baltimore. This dish blends fresh greens, tangy dressings, and savory toppings into a meal that’s as comforting as it is flavorful, drawing from the city’s rich immigrant roots.
What makes it special is its straightforward yet irresistible charm, perfect for family gatherings or a quick weeknight treat. We’re eager to guide you through recreating this timeless recipe, so you can bring a taste of Baltimore to your table.
Ingredients
To bring our Chiapparelli’s Baltimore Salad to life, we start with a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients that capture the essence of this Italian-American classic. We’ve organized them in the order you’ll prepare and assemble them, ensuring a smooth cooking process.
Fresh Greens
- Romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces: 4 cups – This forms the crisp base of our salad, providing a refreshing crunch.
- Spinach leaves, washed and dried: 2 cups – Adds a nutrient-rich, tender element that complements the salad’s hearty flavors.
Vegetables and Toppings
- Cherry tomatoes, halved: 1 cup – Their juicy sweetness balances the tangy dressing for a vibrant pop of color and taste.
- Red onion, thinly sliced: ½ cup – Offers a sharp, aromatic bite that enhances the salad’s depth when added early in preparation.
- Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced: ½ cup – These briny gems deliver a savory Mediterranean twist, evoking Baltimore’s immigrant roots.
Proteins and Cheeses
- Prosciutto, torn into pieces: 4 ounces – Provides a salty, umami-rich topping that should be prepared just before assembling for optimal texture.
- Fresh mozzarella, cubed: 1 cup – Its creamy, melt-in-your-mouth quality makes it a standout addition, ready to mingle with the greens.
Dressings and Seasonings
- Extra-virgin olive oil: ¼ cup – The heart of our tangy vinaigrette, whisked last for a smooth emulsion.
- Balsamic vinegar: 2 tablespoons – Adds the signature tang, ensuring the dressing ties all elements together.
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon – Infuses an herbaceous note; crush it slightly before use to release its full aroma.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste – Final seasonings that elevate the flavors without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients for Chiapparelli’s Baltimore Salad, let’s walk through the preparation and assembly process step by step. We ensure each detail brings out the vibrant flavors and textures of this Italian-American classic.
Prep
Before assembling our Chiapparelli’s Baltimore Salad, we focus on preparing the ingredients to maximize their freshness and flavor. Follow these steps to get everything ready:
- Wash the greens: Start by rinsing 2 cups of romaine lettuce and 2 cups of spinach under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to keep the leaves crisp and vibrant.
- Chop the vegetables: Dice 1 small red onion into thin slices for a sharp, tangy bite, and halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes to release their juicy sweetness. This step enhances the salad’s colorful appeal and allows the flavors to meld perfectly.
- Prepare the proteins and accents: Slice 4 ounces of prosciutto into thin strips for a savory, salty contrast, and cube 4 ounces of fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces to add creamy richness. Pit and slice ½ cup of Kalamata olives to infuse a briny depth that complements the other elements.
- Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano until emulsified. This tangy dressing ties the salad together with its herbaceous notes, ensuring a balanced taste.
Assemble
With our ingredients prepped, we now assemble Chiapparelli’s Baltimore Salad to create a visually stunning and flavorful dish that captures Baltimore’s Italian-American heritage.
- Build the base: In a large salad bowl, layer the washed romaine lettuce and spinach as the foundation, creating a bed of greens that provides a crisp, fresh canvas for the toppings.
- Add the toppings: Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, prosciutto strips, and cubed fresh mozzarella evenly over the greens. This arrangement not only boosts the salad’s texture—offering juicy bursts, crunch, and creaminess—but also enhances its eye-catching colors.
- Dress and toss: Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad, then gently toss everything together with salad tongs to coat the ingredients uniformly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, allowing the tangy, herbaceous flavors to unite in a harmonious blend that makes every bite irresistible.
Conclusion
We’ve enjoyed guiding you through this Baltimore salad recipe
It’s a simple way to bring Italian-American flavors home
Whip it up for your next gathering and savor the fresh taste
We’re confident it’ll become a staple in your routine
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chiapparelli’s Baltimore Salad?
Chiapparelli’s Baltimore Salad is a classic Italian-American dish from Baltimore, blending fresh greens, tangy dressings, and savory toppings. It reflects the city’s immigrant heritage and is perfect for family gatherings or quick meals, featuring ingredients like romaine lettuce, spinach, cherry tomatoes, prosciutto, and mozzarella, all tied together with a balsamic vinaigrette.
What ingredients are needed for Chiapparelli’s Baltimore Salad?
Key ingredients include romaine lettuce and spinach as the base, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and dried oregano. Use high-quality, fresh items to capture the authentic flavors of this Italian-American favorite.
How do I prepare Chiapparelli’s Baltimore Salad?
Start by washing and chopping greens like romaine and spinach. Slice vegetables such as cherry tomatoes and red onion, cube mozzarella, and tear prosciutto. Make a vinaigrette with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and oregano. Layer the greens, add toppings, drizzle with dressing, and toss gently for a fresh, flavorful salad ready in about 15-20 minutes.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chiapparelli’s Baltimore Salad?
Yes, you can swap prosciutto for turkey or chicken, use feta instead of mozzarella, or replace Kalamata olives with black olives. Keep the base greens and vinaigrette similar to maintain the salad’s essence, allowing for personalization based on dietary needs or preferences.
Is Chiapparelli’s Baltimore Salad healthy?
This salad is generally healthy, packed with fresh greens, vegetables, and proteins like prosciutto and mozzarella, which provide vitamins, fiber, and nutrients. It’s low in carbs but watch portions of cheese and dressings to keep calories in check, making it a balanced option for most diets.