The Ultimate Rainbow Chopped Salad
Table of Contents
The Ultimate Rainbow Chopped Salad with Lemon Herb Vinaigrette
Ever feel like you need a salad that's actually exciting? Honestly, same! This Chopped Salad is exactly that. It's a proper flavor explosion and oh-so-satisfying.
Why You'll Love This Riot of Veggies!
This colorful salad recipe isn't just thrown together. It’s a tribute to fresh ingredients and vibrant flavours. Think of it as a fancy version of a classic American salad.
It is also an Easy lunch idea ! It’s ready in about 20 minutes. This recipe makes 4 servings, perfect for a family or meal prep.
A Salad for Your Soul!
This healthy salad recipe is packed with nutrients. It's loaded with vitamins from all the veggies. Feta cheese adds a good protein kick.
Plus, the homemade salad with vinaigrette means no nasty additives. Serve it at your next BBQ or whip it up for a quick quick salad recipe lunch.
It's a real crowd pleaser! And if you want to make-ahead, it is totally cool, because it is the perfect make-ahead salad .
What Makes This Chopped Salad Special?
The real magic is in the freshness! Using quality ingredients is key. Also, the lemon herb vinaigrette really elevates this Asian salad recipe .
Its zesty flavour complements all the veggies. This is not your average leafy green situation. Get ready for a salad you’ll actually crave.
I also think that you should consider this as a Asian chicken salad as well, so don't limit yourself and have some fun
Time to dive into the ingredients, then we'll be making the best summer salad recipes around, I'm sure!
Right then, let's get cracking on this Chopped Salad masterpiece, shall we? Think of it as a culinary remix, a right proper garden party in a bowl! It is so easy, that everyone can make this quick salad recipe .
The recipe below is for the The Ultimate Rainbow Chopped Salad with Lemon Herb Vinaigrette .
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's talk about what you'll need for this rainbow Chopped Salad . I swear, it’s easier than building a Lego castle.
I love making this as one of my go-to summer salad recipes .
Main Ingredients
This recipe can be part of an Asian Salad Recipe , if you add edamame and an Asian Salad Dressing .
- Romaine lettuce: 1 head (approx. 300g / 10.5 oz ). This is the base. Make sure it's crisp.
- Cucumber: 1 (approx. 200g / 7 oz ). Peeled, seeded, and diced, mind you.
- Red bell pepper: 1 (approx. 150g / 5.3 oz ). Adds sweetness and colour.
- Yellow bell pepper: 1 (approx. 150g / 5.3 oz ). More of that colour.
- Red onion: 1/2 (approx. 75g / 2.6 oz ). Adds a bit of bite.
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 pint (approx. 280g / 10 oz ). Halved, obviously.
- Chickpeas: 1 can ( 15 ounces/425g ). Rinsed and drained nobody wants that can juice. This can be part of a great easy lunch ideas to keep you going.
- Feta cheese: 4 ounces ( 113g ). Crumbled. Salty and creamy.
- Kalamata olives: 1/4 cup ( 35g ). Pitted and halved.
- Optional: Cooked bacon: 4 slices (approx. 60g / 2 oz ). Crumbled. Because bacon.
For the vinaigrette:
- Extra virgin olive oil: 1/4 cup ( 60 ml ). Good quality stuff.
- Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ). Freshly squeezed.
- Red wine vinegar: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ).
- Fresh parsley: 1 tablespoon . Finely chopped.
- Fresh chives: 1 tablespoon . Finely chopped.
- Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon .
- Garlic: 1 clove . Minced.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon . Or to taste.
- Black pepper: 1/8 teaspoon . Or to taste.
Feta cheese should be firm, not slimy. Also, for me, Healthy salad recipes are with fresh ingredients.
Seasoning Notes
This salad with vinaigrette can be easily tweaked. Think fresh herbs. Parsley and chives are a must, but you can add dill or mint.
Balsamic glaze is great. For an Asian twist , toasted sesame oil in the dressing works wonders and makes a super quick Asian Chicken Salad .
Equipment Needed
Honestly, nothing fancy. You need a chopping board, chef's knife and a big bowl. You also need small bowl or jar for vinaigrette and Whisk or fork.
Sorted! You can make-ahead salad and even use a food processor.
The Ultimate Rainbow Chopped Salad with Lemon Herb Vinaigrette
This ain't your nan's soggy salad. This vibrant Chopped Salad is a right proper symphony of textures. We're talking crisp veggies, creamy cheese, and a zingy lemon herb vinaigrette that just makes it.
Perfect for a light lunch, a BBQ side, or a quick, healthy salad recipe dinner. Prepare to be bowled over! Honestly, this is one of my favorite summer salad recipes .
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
Essential mise en place is key. Get all your veggies washed and dried. Chop everything before you start mixing. Trust me, it'll save you a headache.
I once tried to chop as I went and ended up with a right old mess! A quick salad recipe is only quick if you're organized, you know?
Time saving tip: Use a salad spinner. Bone dry lettuce is a must. Soggy salad? No thanks. And always, always be careful with your knife.
Dull knives are more dangerous than sharp ones. Safety first !
step-by-step Process: It's as Easy as Pie
- Chop all the things! Lettuce (300g / 10.5 oz), cucumber (200g / 7 oz), red (150g / 5.3 oz) and yellow bell peppers (150g / 5.3 oz), red onion (75g / 2.6 oz). Halve the cherry tomatoes (280g / 10 oz). Aim for uniform pieces.
- Toss everything in a large bowl. Add chickpeas (425g), feta cheese (113g), and olives (35g). Bacon (60g), if you're feeling fancy. This would be great as an Asian Chicken Salad if you add some cooked chicken!
- Whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients. Olive oil (60 ml), lemon juice (30 ml), red wine vinegar (15 ml), parsley, chives, Dijon, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to coat. Don't drown it!
- Serve immediately or chill for later. This makes a fantastic make-ahead salad .
Pro Tips: Secret Hacks for Salad Perfection
- Don't overdress your salad! Add the salad with vinaigrette just before serving. No one likes a soggy salad.
- Taste as you go! Adjust the vinaigrette to your liking. More lemon? Go for it.
- Chilling the ingredients beforehand gives it a nice, refreshing vibe. Especially good on a hot day. This colorful salad recipe is perfect for summer.
Avoid these common mistakes: Using soggy lettuce. Overdressing. Not tasting as you go. Honestly, that's it. This Chopped Salad recipe is pretty foolproof.
If you want to add an Asian Salad Recipe twist, try adding some sesame oil to the dressing and some edamame to the salad! It also would be a great easy lunch ideas option if you ask me.
Enjoy.
Right then, ready to chat more about this awesome Chopped Salad ? I've made it countless times and have picked up a few tips and tricks that I reckon you'll find super helpful! It's so versatile; you can easily adapt it for a quick lunch recipe or impress guests at your next barbecue.
Recipe Notes
Honestly, this Chopped Salad is a breeze. You know, the sort of thing even I can whip up after a long day.
It's more of an idea than a strict recipe, so feel free to get creative. This is a healthy salad recipe you can make your own!
Serving Like a Pro
Right, presentation! For a colorful salad recipe , arrange the ingredients artfully on a platter. Think layers and textures. A good salad with vinaigrette is always welcome at my table.
Try serving it with some toasted baguette slices. They're perfect for soaking up that delicious lemon herb vinaigrette . Oh, and a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio never hurt anyone, did it? This is the perfect summer salad recipe
Sorted Storage
You can make-ahead salad by prepping the ingredients and keeping them separate. The dressing should stay separate from the Chopped Salad until you are ready to serve it.
Otherwise, it gets all soggy. The salad lasts up to 3 days in the fridge. However, I would not freeze it, unless you want a mushy mess!
Remixing the Recipe
Fancy a twist? For a vegan salad , ditch the feta and maybe add some avocado for creaminess. Or, for an Asian salad recipe , add some shredded carrots, edamame, and a drizzle of Asian salad dressing .
You could even make it an Asian Chicken Salad by adding some cooked chicken marinated in soy sauce and ginger.
So many ways to play!
If you're watching the carbs, you can lower the carbs by using less ingredients, swapping out the chick peas for other lower carb alternatives, and using an artificial sweetener to lower the sugar content.
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
Each serving is roughly 350 calories. It's packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a genuinely healthy salad recipe . Perfect for those easy lunch ideas !
Basically, this quick salad recipe is your new best mate in the kitchen. It's a brilliant canvas for your culinary whims. Have fun and get chopping!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a Chopped Salad, and what makes it different?
A Chopped Salad, unlike your standard salad, is all about uniformly small pieces. Think of it as organized chaos! Everything is diced into roughly the same size, which makes it easier to eat and ensures you get a little bit of everything in each bite a proper flavour explosion!
This also makes the dressing coat everything evenly.
Can I prepare my Chopped Salad ahead of time? I'm not exactly Nigella Lawson with all day to cook.
You can definitely prep the ingredients in advance! Chop all the vegetables and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. I'd also keep the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent the salad from getting soggy. Nobody wants a sad, wilted salad, do they?
What are some good substitutions or variations I can make to this Chopped Salad recipe? I fancy getting creative!
Crikey, the possibilities are endless! For a Mediterranean twist, try adding sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and maybe some halloumi cheese. If you're going vegan, ditch the feta and add some creamy avocado. And for a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the vinaigrette will wake your taste buds right up.
Get experimenting, you might just surprise yourself!
How long will my leftover Chopped Salad last in the fridge?
Leftover Chopped Salad is best enjoyed within 1-2 days. After that, the vegetables can start to wilt and become less appealing. Again, it really depends on whether you've already dressed it, so it's best to store the dressing separately.
If the salad does begin to look a bit sad, you can always chuck it into a soup or smoothie for a bit of added goodness!
Is this Chopped Salad recipe actually healthy? I'm trying to be a bit more virtuous, you see.
Absolutely! Packed with fresh vegetables, protein rich chickpeas, and healthy fats from the olive oil and feta, this Chopped Salad is a nutritional powerhouse. Just be mindful of the amount of dressing you use, as that can add extra calories and sodium.
You could always use a lighter dressing or add more lemon juice for extra zing with less fat. Portion control is key!
I’m not a big fan of Feta Cheese, can I substitute it with something else in this Chopped Salad?
Absolutely! If feta isn’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of alternatives you could try. Goat cheese provides a similar tangy flavour profile, or you could use mozzarella balls for a milder taste.
For something completely different, try adding grilled halloumi to the Chopped Salad as this adds a new, salty flavour, and a different texture to the salad, but also works really well. It’s all down to personal preference!
The Ultimate Rainbow Chopped Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 7g |