Classic Chopped Salad Recipe

This is the best classic chopped salad recipe you’ll find. It makes a large batch to enjoy for lunch throughout the week or serve at your next gathering.

Original recipe: April 2012 | Updated: February 2023

Why This Classic Chopped Salad Works

One of my mom’s food specialties was making delicious salads. I remember craving her salad creations as a kid, which I now realize is a little strange since my boys won’t go within ten feet of one. Salads are better than cookies (most of the time)!

Here are a few of my favorite things about this classic chopped salad recipe:

• This delicious chopped salad lends for a ton of creativity. Lettuce is the blank, inviting canvas, begging for color and texture.
• It contains the perfect bite-sized ingredients.
• I like to bring this recipe to almost every holiday meal and it always get rave reviews.
• Perfect for your weeknight dinner table or a larger gathering.
• It is such a great salad and it will never fail.

Recipe Ingredients

Assorted salad greens – Use any combination of crisp lettuce greens, romaine hearts, iceberg lettuce or butter lettuce. Rinse well and chop into small pieces.

Candied Pecans – You might be tempted to skip creating candied pecans, but please don’t! They are super easy to make and they transform this salad into something truly magical. For a sweet spin, make these slow cooker pecans instead!

Dried cherries – Replace the dried cherries with dried cranberries, if you prefer.

Tomatoes – Use either cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes and be sure to cut each into halves so they are easy to pick up with a fork.

Avocados – Save chopping and adding the avocados to the salad until just before serving.

Onion – Red onion is the best variety to use in this salad, as it provides an extra zing. However, yellow or white onions can easily be used in place of red.

Feta cheese crumbles – Feta cheese sends the recipe over the moon, but feel free to replace with another variety such as blue cheese, shredded provolone cheese or fresh mozzarella cheese. Of course, if you are needing a dairy-free version, omit this ingredient entirely.

Raspberry jam – Substitute raspberry jam with strawberry, peach or grape jam.

Red wine vinegar – Any variety of vinegar will work well in this recipe, but red wine vinegar and apple cider vinegar are my favorites.

Olive oil – Avocado or sesame oils can be used in place of olive oil, if desired.

What Is a Chopped Salad

A chopped salad has bite-sized pieces of assorted greens, such as romaine, iceberg or other leafy green varieties.

Fresh vegetables such as tomatoes and cucumbers are often included, as well as cheese, nuts and dried fruit. A vinaigrette or Italian dressing is usually mixed in just before serving.

How To Make Chopped Salad

Chop The Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce (or chopped lettuce of your choice), pecans, cherries, tomatoes, avocados, red onion and feta cheese.

Toss to combine.

Make The Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the raspberry jam, red wine vinegar, olive oil, kosher salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate both bowls until ready to serve.

Assemble The Salad

Just before serving, pour the red wine vinaigrette into the salad bowl and toss until coated. Serve immediately!

Recipe Notes

• This salad makes a very large batch, so it is a great option for medium to large gatherings. Cut ingredient amounts in half for a smaller family meal or for a few days’ worth of lunches.
• If you plan to enjoy the salad over the course of a few days, keep the dressing and salad in separate bowls in the fridge and add as needed, just before eating.
• Other ingredients to consider adding: artichoke hearts, garbanzo beans, green bell peppers, green onion, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, pepperoncini peppers, crisp cucumbers or chopped fresh herbs.
• A great way to turn this into a hearty lunch is to add cooked shredded chicken (grilled chicken works great!), crispy bacon crumbles, sliced genoa salami or cooked ground beef or turkey.
• Delicious topping options: Parmesan cheese, freshly ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, a squirt of lemon juice or extra avocado slices.
• Boost flavors by adding 1 tablespoon dijon mustard to the dressing. A few teaspoons of honey would add a nice sweet touch.
• Save prep time by chopping onions and fresh tomatoes the day prior.

How Much Salad Per Person

Serving sizes for salad varies, depending on whether it is being served as a main course or a side dish. When served as a main dish, count on each person eating approximately 2 cups of salad. When served as a side dish, plan for 1 to 1 1/2 cups per person. 

What To Serve With Salad

Whether you are serving a side salad for a small lunch or a large gathering, there are a handful of foods that always pair well alongside this leafy dish. Here are a few suggestions:

• Soup such as French Onion or Broccoli Cheese
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Fresh vegetables, pickles, black olives or kalamata olives
• Tuna salad, chicken salad or egg salad

Best Dressings for Salad

There are so many dressings that go well in leafy salads. You can’t go wrong with Avocado Ranch Dressing or a simple vinaigrette made by combining olive oil, vinegar and a few spices such as parsley, basil or oregano.

Try adding a bit of fruit jam to the mix for a delicious twist or go with a classic and easy ranch dressing!

How To Store Salad

Store salad in an airtight container that has been lined with a damp paper towel in the fridge for up to 3 days or until lettuce wilts or turns brown.

Best Salad Recipes

• Edamame Tomato Corn Salad is one of my favorite salads of all time. It is a crowd-pleaser, enjoyed any time of the year. Bring this to a party and it will be devoured immediately!
• This delicious little Buffalo Shrimp Salad packs a punch! It is satisfying, flavorful, packed with texture and it’s super easy to make.
• Loaded Veggie Salad is super easy to make and it is packed with healthy ingredients, such as chickpeas, black beans, tomatoes and avocados. It is a delicious lunch, wrap filling, party side or even a topping for chicken.
• Crunchy Bok Choy Salad is a crunchy, veggie-packed salad and it’s a great dish to bring to parties. Prepare this one just before serving.

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