Easy Summer Chopped Salad Recipe – Packed with Vegetables
Summer chopped salad is fresh, easy to make and perfect for hot days when you want something light and satisfying and don’t want to heat up your kitchen. This salad is made with fresh summer ingredients and it’s a nutritious and flavorful way to savor the best of the season.
In the summer months, I don’t like to heat up the kitchen or eat heavy food, so my first choice is a big salad for dinner on a hot day. This chopped salad filled with fresh seasonal produce cut into bite-sized pieces is the perfect solution, and it’s a great way to clean out the refrigerator.
Why you will love this recipe
- Customizable! One of the best parts about making a summer chopped salad is the endless customization options. You can easily personalize it with fresh seasonal ingredients.
- Easy! Since there is no cooking involved, this salad is quick to prepare for dinner.
What you will need
One of the best parts about making a summer chopped salad is the endless customization options. You can easily personalize this salad with your favorite seasonal ingredients, here is a list of basic ingredients that I use along with a convenient affiliate link to get the ingredients from Instacart.
Ingredients
How to make summer chopped salad
Prepare: Rinse and chop all of the ingredients into small pieces that are bite-sized. Combine the salad dressing in a small jar or bowl. Add the chopped vegetables to a bowl and pour in the dressing.
STEP 1. Add the salad ingredients to a large bowl
STEP 2. Add the dressing, toss the salad and serve.
Serving suggestions
This salad can be served as a side dish with your favorite grilled meat or seafood. I like to enjoy it for dinner with cooked chicken, shrimp or tofu added and a piece of crusty bread.
Ingredient notes
There are so many options for chopped salad ingredients. The ingredients listed in the recipe card are basic summer in season vegetables; feel free to add anything you like. Chopped salads are all about flexibility and personal taste. Get creative! Here are some suggestions for making a delicious salad.
The best lettuce to use for chopped salad
You can use any type of lettuce as the base for a chopped salad. I like to mix romaine, field greens, arugula or spinach. Each type adds its texture and flavor. Romaine is crisp, field greens are tender, arugula has a bit of spice and spinach is smooth. This mixture makes the salad interesting and tasty.
Fresh vegetables
Fresh vegetables add texture, color, and flavor to a chopped salad. You can mix and match any variety to create your perfect blend. In addition to cauliflower and broccoli, try adding crunchy green or red bell pepper, chopped zucchini, and shaved brussels sprouts for a refreshing mix. Carrots add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness.
Protein additions
To make this salad more hearty, toss in some proteins such as grilled chicken, seafood, garbanzo beans, and hard-boiled eggs. Cheese such as crumbled feta cheese, blue cheese, shredded parmesan cheese, and cheddar cheese are also a nice addition.
Herbs and seasonings
Herbs and seasonings can transform any dish. Parsley, cilantro and basil add a burst of zest to a chopped salad. Garlic powder, fresh herbs, a touch of sea salt, and a squeeze of lemon make a perfect dressing substitute. These simple ingredients pack a lot of flavor without a lot of preparation.
Add-ins
One of the best parts of a summer chopped salad is its versatility. You can add a wide range of ingredients to suit your taste. Here are some tasty add-in suggestions.
- Nuts and seeds – Pine nuts, sunflower seeds or sesame seeds add a nice crunch to the salad.
- Extra ingredients – Sliced kalamata olives, bacon bits, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, hearts of palm, pita chips, croutons, sliced avocados are also nice additions to a salad.
- Fruit – Fresh summer fruit like peaches, berries, and even dried fruit add a hint of sweetness.
Salad dressing
A simple salad dressing is all that’s needed in a fresh salad. You can swap the red wine vinegar out with an equal amount of white wine vinegar, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar or any of your favorite dressings.
How to store leftover chopped salad
When storing leftover summer chopped salad, store it in an airtight container which will lock out air and keep the ingredients from going bad quickly. If you anticipate leftovers, keep the dressing separate from the salad which will keep it from becoming soggy. Leftover salad will last for a day or two undressed in the refrigerator.
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Summer Chopped Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 head romaine lettuce chopped (about 2 cups)
- 1 cucumber chopped
- 4 radishes chopped
- 2 tablespoons onion chopped
- 1 cup broccoli chopped
- 1 cup cauliflower chopped
- 1/2 cup cabbage chopped or shredded
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare: rinse and chop all of the salad ingredients into bite-sized pieces.
- In a small jar or bowl, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons vinegar, 2 teaspoons oregano, 2 teaspoons garlic powder and shake or whisk with a fork.
- Just before serving; toss half of the dressing with the salad ingredients and serve with remaining ingredients on the side.
