Chopped Salad – Fresh, Easy & Restaurant-Style at Home

A chopped salad is the ultimate quick and refreshing meal you can whip up in just minutes. Bursting with vibrant colors, crisp textures, and bold flavors, this salad is perfect for weeknight dinners, healthy lunches, or as a side dish for family gatherings. Unlike ordinary salads, everything in a chopped salad is cut into bite-sized pieces, making every forkful full of flavor. Plus, it’s versatile—you can mix in your favorite veggies, proteins, or dressings to suit your taste.

Ingredients for Chopped Salad

Here’s everything you’ll need for a classic chopped salad recipe.

For the Salad:

• 1 medium head romaine lettuce (about 250g / 8 oz), chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (150g), halved
• 1 medium cucumber (150g / 5 oz), diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper (120g / 4 oz), diced
• ½ medium red onion (50g / 2 oz), finely chopped
• 1 medium avocado, diced
• ½ cup feta cheese (75g), crumbled
• ½ cup black olives (70g), sliced
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas (150g) or any preferred protein (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

How to Make Chopped Salad (Step-by-Step)

Follow these simple steps to prepare a restaurant-style chopped salad at home:

1. Prep the Vegetables
   Wash and chop the lettuce, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and tomatoes into small, even pieces. Dice the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
2. Mix the Dressing
   In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
3. Assemble the Salad
   In a large salad bowl, combine all chopped vegetables, chickpeas, feta cheese, and olives. Toss lightly.
4. Dress and Serve
   Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. Mix gently until everything is well coated. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.

Tips & Variations for the Best Chopped Salad

• Make it Vegan: Skip the feta cheese or swap with a plant-based alternative.
• Add More Protein: Try grilled chicken, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs for a hearty meal.
• Change Up the Dressing: Use a creamy ranch, Caesar, or tahini-based dressing for a different flavor profile.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Chop the veggies in advance and store them separately. Add avocado and dressing right before serving to keep it fresh.

Chopped Salad FAQs

1. Can I make chopped salad ahead of time?
Yes! Chop the vegetables and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Keep the dressing separate and toss before serving to keep everything crisp.

2. What’s the difference between a chopped salad and a regular salad?
In a chopped salad, all ingredients are cut into small, uniform pieces, ensuring every bite has a mix of flavors. A regular salad usually has larger chunks of vegetables.

3. Can I use store-bought dressing?
Absolutely! While homemade dressing adds freshness, a good-quality store-bought vinaigrette works perfectly if you’re short on time.

Final Thoughts + Call to Action

This chopped salad recipe is quick, healthy, and endlessly customizable. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or impressing guests at dinner. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a staple in so many kitchens!

Love this recipe? Explore more easy recipes on greenbeancasserolerecipe.com and try our BBQ chicken recipe next!