Chopped Salad

Experience the vibrant flavors of a chopped salad that brings together a medley of fresh vegetables and herbs. This dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch or a side dish at dinner. With its crunchy textures and zesty dressing, this salad will tantalize your taste buds and make healthy eating enjoyable. Let’s dive into this easy and delightful recipe!

Ingredients

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cucumber, diced
– 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
– 1 cup mixed greens (spinach, arugula)
– 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup olives, pitted and sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe serves 4 people, with a preparation time of 15 minutes and no cooking time required.

Nutritional Value

Per serving (1/4 of the salad): approximately 150 calories, 8g fat, 10g carbohydrates, 5g protein, and 3g fiber. This is based on a single serving size.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. Wash all vegetables thoroughly under cold running water.
2. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and place them in a large mixing bowl.
3. Dice the cucumber and bell pepper, adding them to the bowl.
4. Finely chop the red onion and mix it in with the other vegetables.
5. Add the mixed greens to the bowl, layering them on top of the chopped vegetables.
6. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad mixture.
7. Add sliced olives for an extra burst of flavor.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
9. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are coated.
10. Serve immediately or chill for a refreshing taste.

Alternative Ingredients

Feel free to substitute any ingredients based on your preferences. For example, you can use avocado instead of feta for a vegan option, or add nuts for extra crunch. Seasonal vegetables can also be included to enhance freshness and flavor.

Serving and Pairings

This chopped salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or as a stand-alone dish. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a healthy side for any meal.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This salad is best served fresh, but if necessary, you can reassemble it without dressing to maintain the crunch. Freezing is not recommended as the texture may suffer.

Cooking Mistakes

• Using overripe vegetables can affect the taste and texture.
• Not washing greens properly can lead to grit in the salad.
• Forgetting to season the salad will make it bland.
• Using too much dressing can make the salad soggy.
• Cutting vegetables too large can affect the overall texture.

Helpful Tips

• Always use fresh, seasonal produce for the best flavor.
• Mix and match ingredients based on personal preference.
• Let the salad sit for a few minutes after dressing to enhance flavors.
• Consider adding protein like chickpeas or grilled chicken for a complete meal.

FAQs

Can I make chopped salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them separately. Toss with dressing just before serving to keep it fresh.

What vegetables are best for a chopped salad?

Any fresh, crunchy vegetables work well. Popular choices include cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, and radishes.

Can I use a different dressing?

Absolutely! A balsamic vinaigrette or a yogurt-based dressing can add unique flavors.

Is chopped salad healthy?

Yes, it is packed with vitamins and nutrients from fresh vegetables, making it a healthy option for any meal.

How can I add more flavor to my chopped salad?

Incorporate herbs like basil or parsley, or add spices such as cumin or paprika to elevate the taste.

Conclusion

A chopped salad is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with freshness and flavor. With endless possibilities for ingredients and dressings, it can easily become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the vibrant textures and tastes, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different combinations!

Chopped Salad

A refreshing chopped salad filled with vibrant vegetables and a zesty dressing, perfect for a light meal or side dish.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chopped salad, healthy recipes, fresh ingredients, salad recipes

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 150kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1 cucumber diced
• 1 bell pepper diced
• 1 cup mixed greens spinach, arugula
• 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
• 1/4 cup olives pitted and sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Wash all vegetables thoroughly under cold running water.
• Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and place them in a large mixing bowl.
• Dice the cucumber and bell pepper, adding them to the bowl.
• Finely chop the red onion and mix it in with the other vegetables.
• Add the mixed greens to the bowl, layering them on top of the chopped vegetables.
• Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad mixture.
• Add sliced olives for an extra burst of flavor.
• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are coated.
• Serve immediately or chill for a refreshing taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 3g