Chopped salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that brings together the finest ingredients for a satisfying, healthy meal. This dish is the epitome of simplicity and flavor, with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty red onions blending beautifully with the creamy texture of feta cheese and the briny bite of olives. The tangy lemon vinaigrette ties it all together, creating a Mediterranean-inspired salad that’s both light and fulfilling. With its quick preparation and ability to pair with just about any main dish, this chopped salad is a go-to for busy weekdays or relaxed weekend gatherings.
Ingredients Overview
The beauty of this chopped salad lies in its freshness and balance of flavors. The cucumber adds a refreshing crunch, while the tomatoes contribute a juicy sweetness that complements the other ingredients. Red onions offer a sharp, slightly spicy note that cuts through the richness of the feta cheese, which provides a creamy and salty depth. The olives introduce a briny contrast that enhances the Mediterranean flavor profile.
The lemon vinaigrette is the perfect finishing touch—its citrusy brightness and slight tang elevate the salad’s taste, bringing everything together. For those looking to mix things up, substituting kalamata olives for the pitted variety adds a stronger, more robust flavor, and fresh herbs like parsley or dill can introduce an extra layer of freshness to the dish.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Chopping the Vegetables and Cheese: Start by chopping the cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion into even, bite-sized pieces. Consistency is key to achieving an even distribution of flavors throughout the salad. For the feta, cube it into small, manageable chunks that are big enough to retain their shape but small enough to balance with the rest of the ingredients.
Mixing the Salad Base: Once all the vegetables and cheese are chopped, combine them in a large bowl. Gently toss them together to ensure that each ingredient is evenly spread, allowing the flavors to mingle naturally.
Creating the Lemon Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, squeeze the juice of one or two lemons, depending on how tangy you prefer your dressing. Add olive oil, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk the mixture together until it’s well combined, and adjust the seasoning to taste. The acidity of the lemon should balance with the richness of the olive oil, creating a smooth and zesty dressing.
Combining Everything: When you’re ready to serve, pour the lemon vinaigrette over the chopped ingredients and toss gently. The key here is to mix without mashing the feta or bruising the vegetables, ensuring that the salad remains fresh and the textures intact.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
How to keep the vegetables crisp:
To maintain the crispness of the vegetables, it’s best to prepare the salad shortly before serving. If you need to store it, keep the vegetables and dressing separate until just before serving.
Adjusting the lemon and olive oil ratio:
If you like a tangier dressing, add more lemon juice. Conversely, if you prefer a milder dressing, increase the olive oil. Play around with the proportions until you find the balance that suits your taste.
Storing the salad:
If you plan on making the salad ahead of time, store the vegetables and cheese separately from the vinaigrette. This will keep the salad fresh and prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy.
Adding flavor boosts:
A pinch of oregano or a sprinkle of sumac can add a delightful layer of flavor to the salad. Sumac, in particular, introduces a tangy, citrusy kick that pairs perfectly with the other Mediterranean ingredients.
Can I substitute regular cucumbers for English cucumbers?:
Yes, regular cucumbers can be used, though they may have a slightly more bitter taste and a firmer texture. Make sure to peel and remove the seeds if using regular cucumbers for a smoother texture.
What other types of cheese work well if I don’t have feta?:
You can substitute feta with other creamy, tangy cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta salata. Both will give the salad a different but delicious flavor profile.
Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?:
While it’s best to serve this salad fresh, you can chop all the vegetables and cheese ahead of time. Just keep them in an airtight container and refrigerate until you’re ready to toss with the dressing.
What’s the best way to adjust the recipe for more servings?:
Simply multiply the quantities of each ingredient proportionally. This recipe is easily scalable for larger groups.
How long can the salad stay fresh after being dressed?:
The salad is best eaten within an hour of dressing. However, if stored in the fridge, it will last for up to a day, though the vegetables may start to soften over time.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
For best results, store the salad components separately. Keep the chopped vegetables and feta in one container and the dressing in another. When you’re ready to serve, toss everything together, ensuring the salad stays fresh and crisp. This method also allows you to control the amount of dressing, preventing the salad from becoming soggy.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. While the salad will still be safe to eat, the vegetables may lose some of their texture. Freezing is not recommended as the vegetables will lose their crunch and the dressing may separate.
Chopped salad is the ultimate fresh and versatile dish, ideal for any meal, whether it’s a light lunch, a refreshing side dish for dinner, or a crowd-pleaser at a potluck. The combination of crisp vegetables, creamy feta, briny olives, and zesty lemon vinaigrette makes for a satisfying, wholesome salad. Don’t hesitate to experiment with seasonal ingredients and add your own spin, whether it’s through a different type of cheese or extra herbs. This dish is as adaptable as it is delicious—perfect for customizing to your taste!
Ingredients
7 oz (200g) Greek feta cheese, cubed
1 large red onion, finely chopped
1 cup pitted olives, roughly chopped
1 large English cucumber, diced
4 large tomatoes (or 4 cups of cherry tomatoes), chopped
For the lemon vinaigrette:
1-2 lemons, juiced
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Start by chopping the cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese into small, bite-sized pieces. Combine all of these ingredients in a large bowl.
To prepare the dressing, squeeze the juice of 1 or 2 lemons into a separate small bowl, add olive oil, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
When ready to serve, pour the prepared dressing over the chopped ingredients and toss gently to ensure everything is coated. For a final touch, garnish the salad with some freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Enjoy your refreshing salad!
Chopped Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 7 oz 200g Greek feta cheese, cubed
- 1 large red onion finely chopped
- 1 cup pitted olives roughly chopped
- 1 large English cucumber diced
- 4 large tomatoes or 4 cups of cherry tomatoes, chopped
For the lemon vinaigrette:
- 1-2 lemons juiced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by chopping the cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese into small, bite-sized pieces. Combine all of these ingredients in a large bowl.
- To prepare the dressing, squeeze the juice of 1 or 2 lemons into a separate small bowl, add olive oil, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
- When ready to serve, pour the prepared dressing over the chopped ingredients and toss gently to ensure everything is coated. For a final touch, garnish the salad with some freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Enjoy your refreshing salad!
