Salads, you say? A canvas for crisp veggies, vibrant colors, and unexpected textures – all tossed in a single bowl.
The beauty of a chopped salad lies in its chaotic harmony; a medley of flavors that dance together like an ensemble, each bite a revelation. And speaking of revelations, did you catch the latest culinary trend on TikTok?
It’s all about adding a crunch with roasted chickpeas. Curious?
Let’s explore ten ideas that’ll have your taste buds singing.
Steps
- Begin by dicing the cucumber, tomatoes, bell peppers, and sweet onion into bite-sized pieces. Chop a handful of fresh parsley or herbs of your choice, and crumble the feta cheese. Combine all these ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the vinaigrette by whisking together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Alternatively, you can shake these ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the chopped vegetables and feta cheese in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until the veggies are evenly coated with the vinaigrette. Let the salad rest for a few minutes to enhance the flavors before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1 pound (454 g) tomatoes, chopped (or halved/quartered if using cherry or grape tomatoes)
- 2 bell peppers, chopped (using two different colors is recommended)
- 1/2 sweet onion, chopped
- A handful of parsley, chopped (or other fresh herbs of your choice)
- 1/2 cup crumbled or diced feta cheese (or substitute with goat cheese)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt (Himalayan or sea) and freshly ground pepper, to taste
FAQ
- What is meant by “chopped salad”?
- A chopped salad involves slicing all ingredients into small pieces and mixing them together, ensuring that each bite provides a taste of every component for a fully flavorful experience.
- How long can I store the Chopped Veggie Salad?
- This salad is best consumed on the same day it’s made. However, if stored in the refrigerator, it can last for 2-3 days. Be aware that the tomatoes might change in texture, and some vegetables may lose their crunch over time.
- What is the best way to store this salad?
- Ideally, it’s best to serve the salad immediately. If you need to store it, keep the chopped vegetables separate from the vinaigrette in airtight containers in the fridge to maintain freshness.
- Can this salad be customized?
- Yes, this salad is highly adaptable. You can swap or add different vegetables, use various fresh herbs, or substitute the feta with a plant-based cheese to make it vegan. Additions like nuts or seeds can also provide extra crunch.
Tips
- Maximize Flavor: Allow the salad to rest for about 10-20 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the vegetable juices meld with the vinaigrette, enhancing the overall taste.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap or add veggies based on what you have available or your preferences. Consider incorporating corn, radishes, or even olives for added flavor.
- Enhance with Herbs: While parsley is a classic choice, experimenting with other fresh herbs like basil or chives can add a unique twist to the salad.
- Make it Vegan-Friendly: Easily adapt the salad for a vegan diet by substituting feta cheese with a plant-based alternative or simply omitting it.
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl – For combining the salad ingredients.
- Small Whisk or Dressing Shaker – For mixing the vinaigrette ingredients.
- Airtight Container – If you need to store the salad or its components separately.
