The Ultimate Chopped Salad Recipe with 7 Variations 

As I write this I’m dreaming of summertime, which makes me think of the first BBQ’s and picnics of summer. Such a lovely time of year. As a result, here’s a meal prep perfect and picnic safe salad recipe to feed a crowd any day, anytime of the year. Here is the ultimate Chopped Salad Recipe with 7 Variations. 

 

When you make this, I suggest you make extra as it’s so versatile as a make-ahead lunch, or dinner, or side dish that stays crisp and appetizing all week long. 

 

This is because the variety of add-in possibilities are limited only by your imagination. What’s more, you can be certain you won’t get totally sick of it the second day, or even the third.  

 

Sound good? I thought so, too.  

 

Ready to know the secret to The Ultimate Chopped Salad Recipe with 7 Variations? 

Here is the secret to a salad that stands the test of time. You simply use hearty greens, not flimsy lettuce. 

I’m talking green cabbage, red cabbage and kale. The salad base is very versatile and packed with fiber, vitamins and essential nutrients. But more importantly, it’s delicious.

 

This healthy base salad is naturally low carb and ketogenic. Your add- ins will determine where it goes from there. 

 

First, we create the fresh, crunchy chopped salad base then pick a recipe suggestion, or suggestions, below and mix it all together for a big voluptuous salad to accompany grilled chicken, kabobs, hamburgers or steaks.

 

 

To have a salad that lasts all week long you make the base salad then rotate your add-ins daily to offer flavor variations. The variety and quantity of the add-in ingredients are to your preference. 

 

No more salad fatigue! 

 

To make the salad base; chop a half head each green and purple cabbage and a small bunch of kale to make approximately 16 cups.  This combination is inexpensive to buy and won’t get wilted and slimy in two days like more delicate lettuces.  

 

 

Another great thing about having this versatile combination on hand is you can sauté it to serve as a hot dish or add by the handful to soups or casseroles.

 

For a week’s worth of hearty salads, make the base salad, store it undressed (my inner 12 year old just said “naked” and giggled) and separate from the other salad ingredients. 

 

For convenience that you’ll appreciate later in the week, spend some free time chopping other hearty ingredients like carrots, celery, radishes and green onion so they’re ready when you are.

 

To save time you’ll want one of these – OXO Adjustable Mandolin Slicer –

 

Prepare more delicate ingredients like tomato, avocado, red or white onion right before you want to serve the salad.

 

 

If you like croutons on your salad you’ll love this recipe!!! I’ll Never buy Croutons in a Box Again Croutons

Here are some popular salad combinations to add to the base salad:

 

Southwestern – corn, black beans, red onion, avocado, bacon, bell peppers and tomatoes with ranch, chipotle or BBQ flavored dressings. For a main dish salad, add chopped grilled chicken.

 

Greek – Kalamata or black olives, feta cheese, red onion, garbanzos, cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper. Dress with Greek dressing.  Add chicken or sliced steak for a main dish.

 

 

California Club Salad – blue cheese, bacon, chopped chicken, hardboiled egg, olives, tomatoes and avocado. Add ranch or bleu cheese dressing.

 

Rainbow Confetti Salad – use a food processor to finely chop raw broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, celery, red and green peppers, red onion and toss with your favorite dressing for a veggie bomb of a salad.

 

Asian Chicken Salad – chicken, carrot, green onions, chow mein noodles, cucumber, and sliced almonds or peanuts served with sesame ginger dressing.

 

Taco Salad – cooked ground beef seasoned with chili powder, cumin, green chilies and salsa. To the salad add cilantro, kidney beans, tomato, avocado and shredded pepper jack cheese. Dress with ranch, cilantro lime vinaigrette or chipotle dressing and top with crushed tortilla chips.

 

 

Italian – sliced pepperoni or salami, tomato, olives and cubed mozzarella cheese dressed with Italian vinaigrette.

 

Now, the next time the “We’re going to eat healthy all week!” syndrome kicks in you’ll be ready!

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