Get ready to transform your meal with the most irresistible Classic Chopped Salad that will make your taste buds dance and your health goals cheer! This isn't just another salad - it's a vibrant, crisp explosion of colors, textures, and nutrients that will revolutionize your lunch or dinner routine. Whether you're a health enthusiast, a busy professional, or someone who craves delicious and quick meals, this recipe is your perfect culinary companion.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 1 cup of chickpeas, drained
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the romaine lettuce under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Shake off excess water and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Next, take the cucumber and wash it thoroughly. Cut off both ends and dice it into small cubes, ensuring they are uniform in size for even distribution in the salad.
- Move on to the tomatoes. Rinse them under cold water, then remove the stems. Dice the tomatoes into small pieces, similar in size to the cucumber.
- For the bell pepper, wash it well and cut it in half. Remove the seeds and white membranes, then dice the pepper into small pieces.
- Now, take the red onion. Peel off the outer layer and chop it finely. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the chopped onion in cold water for a few minutes before adding it to the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, diced cucumber, diced tomatoes, diced bell pepper, chopped red onion, and drained chickpeas. Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. This will be your dressing. Season it with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as desired.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together gently until the salad is well coated with the dressing.
- Once everything is well mixed, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the chopped salad immediately, or chill it in the refrigerator for a few minutes before serving for a refreshing taste. Enjoy your Classic Chopped Salad!
Tips
- Ingredient Prep is Key: Always chop your vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even flavor distribution and a professional look.
- Chill Your Ingredients: For an extra refreshing salad, keep your vegetables cold before mixing.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences or seasonal availability.
- Dressing Hack: Whisk your olive oil and lemon juice thoroughly to create a perfect emulsion that coats every ingredient.
- Onion Tip: If raw onions are too strong, soak chopped red onions in cold water for 5-10 minutes to mellow their flavor.
- Make Ahead: While best served fresh, you can prepare ingredients separately and combine just before serving to maintain crispness.
- Storage Suggestion: If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately to prevent wilting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
