Fresh & Hearty Chopped Salad Recipe

Chopped Salad Recipe
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Chopped Salad Recipe

Servings

4

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking timeminutes
Calories

250

kcal

This fresh and hearty chopped salad is packed with crisp vegetables, protein-rich chickpeas, and a simple homemade dressing. It’s colorful, filling, and easy to make for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

Ingredients

  • For the Salad:

  • 4 cups fresh romaine lettuce, finely chopped

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in halves

  • 1 cup cucumber, diced into small cubes

  • ½ cup red onion, very finely chopped

  • 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed well

  • ½ cup shredded carrots

  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

  • For the Dressing:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • ½ teaspoon honey

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

  • Prepare the vegetables.
    Wash the romaine lettuce thoroughly and dry it completely using a towel or salad spinner. Chop it into small, bite-sized pieces. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half. Dice the cucumber into small cubes. Finely chop the red onion and parsley. Drain and rinse the chickpeas under cold water, then pat them dry.
  • Combine the salad ingredients.
    Take a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, chickpeas, shredded carrots, cheese, and parsley. Gently toss everything together so the ingredients are evenly mixed.
  • Make the dressing.
    In a small bowl or jar, add olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper. Whisk well until the dressing looks smooth and slightly thick. Make sure the honey and mustard are fully blended.
  • Dress the salad.
    Pour the dressing slowly over the salad. Toss gently with large spoons until all the ingredients are lightly coated. Do not overdress. Let the salad rest for about 10 minutes before serving so the flavors blend together.
  • Serve.
    Serve immediately for the best crunch. You can chill it for a short time if you prefer it extra cold.
  • Serving Suggestions
  • With Grilled Protein:
    Serve this salad with grilled chicken, baked fish, or roasted turkey slices for a complete and balanced dinner. The fresh crunch pairs beautifully with warm protein.
  • Inside Wraps or Pita:
    Spoon the salad into soft wraps or pita bread for a quick lunch. Add a little extra cheese or hummus for more flavor and texture.
  • As a Side Dish:
    This salad works perfectly next to pasta, rice dishes, or soups. It adds freshness and color to any meal.
  • For Gatherings:
    Double the recipe and serve it in a large bowl for family dinners or potlucks. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain crispness.

Notes

  • This chopped salad recipe is simple, fresh, and easy to adjust based on what you have at home. It’s perfect for busy weekdays, light dinners, or meal prep. You can customize it with extra vegetables, protein, or herbs to make it your own. Once you try it, it may become one of your regular go-to meals because it’s practical, filling, and full of fresh flavor

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