A Freeper named ‘leapfrog0202’ posted this recipe a couple of years ago. We tried it recently, and it was wonderful:
Copycat Buca Di Beppo Chopped Antipasto Salad
Ingredients:
1 package(s) romaine lettuce ( 10 ounces, mixed lettuce )
2 ounces pepperoni (sliced ¼ inch thick then diced into about ½-inch pieces)
2 tablespoons red onion (chopped - cut into ½-inch pieces)
1/4 cup provolone cheese (diced, sliced ¼ inch thick, then diced into about ½-inch piece )
1/2 cup cucumber (cubed, cut into 3/4 inch pieces)
1/4 cup gorgonzola cheese (crumbled)
1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
1 tablespoon pepperoncini (sliced)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 cup roma tomatoes (diced into 1/2 inch pieces, divided)
6 tablespoons Italian dressing (prepared Italian dressing
vinegrette - See recipe below)
6 pepperoncini (whole)
6 kalamata olives (pitted)
6 green olives
Directions:
In a large bowl, using gloved hands or tongs, toss together all ingredients except half the tomatoes, dressing, whole pepperoncini and the olives.
Add dressing around the outside perimeter of the bowl and toss, again using gloved hands or tongs. Do not overmix.
Divide salad among three large chilled salad bowls. Top salads with remaining chopped tomatoes, the whole pepperoncini and the olives.
Directions:
Combine the vinegar, oregano, dry mustard, salt and pepper in a blender. Add the onion and garlic. Blend together while slowly adding the olive oil. By adding the olive oil slowly, it will emulsify with the other ingredients creating a thicker vinaigrette. Let vinaigrette sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. This is best made shortly before using.
Homemade Italian Dressing Vinaigrette
1/3 cup white wine vinegar
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
salt black pepper
1/8 cup red onion (chopped fine)
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
Olive oil
Ooops. Made a mistake - the ‘directions’ should come after the ingredients for the vinaigrette at the end; and I should have copied the person who originally posted the recipe.
Copied and I on it. Will let you know how it came out and I didn’t poison everyone ....LOL