The Best Homemade Chopped Salad Recipe

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What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This homemade chopped salad recipe is quick, customizable, and bursting with fresh flavors, making it a perfect go-to meal for any day of the week. You’ll love how easy it is to throw together, even on your busiest days. Plus, it’s packed with crunchy veggies, creamy cheese, and a tangy dressing that ties everything together beautifully. You can mix and match your favorite ingredients, so it’s always just the way you like it. And the best part? It’s a healthy, satisfying dish that feels indulgent without weighing you down.

Recipe

Fresh and vibrant, this homemade chopped salad is a delightful mix of crisp vegetables, creamy cheese, and a zesty dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish, it’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup black olives, sliced
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, feta cheese, and black olives.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes before serving for an extra invigorating taste.

Notes:

Feel free to customize the salad by adding avocado, grilled chicken, or your favorite nuts for extra texture and protein.

Equipment:

Large mixing bowl, small bowl, whisk

Time:

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

Cuisine:

American

Serving:

Serves 4

Nutrition

This chopped salad is packed with fresh vegetables and a variety of nutrients. Below is the nutritional information per serving based on the recipe.

Calories: 185

Total Fat: 10g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Cholesterol: 10mg

Sodium: 250mg

Total Carbohydrate: 18g

Dietary Fiber: 5g

Sugars: 8g

Protein: 7g

What To Serve With It

When I make this homemade chopped salad, I love serving it with warm crusty bread or roasted veggies for a satisfying side dish. To turn it into a heartier meal, I’ll add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu for a boost of protein. These pairings keep things fresh, filling, and totally customizable!

Complementary Side Dishes

If you’re looking to round out your meal, I’ve got some great ideas for side dishes that’ll pair perfectly with this chopped salad. Warm garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are always a hit—they add a cozy, comforting touch. I also love roasted veggies like zucchini or carrots; they bring sweetness and texture. A light soup, like tomato basil or minestrone, complements the salad without overpowering it. For something fresh, consider avocado slices or a simple fruit platter. These sides balance the flavors of the salad and make the meal feel complete without stealing the spotlight.

Perfect Protein Pairings

Now that we’ve covered sides, let’s talk about adding protein to your chopped salad to turn it into a hearty meal. Grilled chicken is a classic choice—it’s lean, flavorful, and pairs well with almost any veggie. If you’re craving something different, try seared shrimp or flaked salmon for a light, tasty twist. For vegetarians, chickpeas, black beans, or tofu are fantastic options that add texture and keep you full. I love tossing in hard-boiled eggs, too, for an easy protein boost. Remember, the key is balancing flavors and textures, so your salad feels satisfying without being too heavy.