Quick Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe Recipe

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There are days when I have some leftover chicken, and on those days, I simply grab a bowl and add all the good veggies to make a simple yet flavorful Chicken Chopped Salad. Well, if you are also looking for a healthy meal, you need to try this irresistible salad recipe.

This recipe is irresistible because it features the most refreshing, creamy dressing you’ll love. Moreover, the recipe includes crisp greens, tender chicken, parmesan, and a variety of colourful vegetables for the perfect balance of texture and taste.

To be honest, everything comes together so nicely and makes a healthy meal for you to enjoy. Even if you don’t like eating salads, this recipe is going to change your opinion.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your salad tongs and get ready to toss the chicken and veggies with a creamy dressing you can enjoy any time of day.

Equipment Required

Large Mixing Bowl: I use a large mixing bowl to combine the salad ingredients.
Small Bowl: I first make the dressing in a small bowl and then add it to the salad.
Whisk: A whisk would come in handy to combine the dressing ingredients smoothly.
Measuring Spoons and Cups: Make sure to use measuring cups and spoons to get an accurate quantity of the ingredients.
Salad Tongs: I prefer using salad tongs to toss the salad neatly.

Chicken Chopped Salad Ingredients & Substitutions

Note: The ingredients in this recipe can serve up to 2 people. You can increase or decrease the quantities for more or fewer servings.

For The Salad

1¼ lbs boneless Chicken Breasts
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil, plus more for brushing the grill
1 large Romaine Lettuce, chopped
1 medium Cucumber, peeled and chopped
1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved
½ cup sliced Black Olives
⅓ cup Chopped Red Onion, rinsed under water
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
Finely Shredded Parmesan (for garnish)

For The Dressing

½ Cup Mayonnaise
¼ Cup Olive Oil
3 Tablespoons White Vinegar
3 Tablespoons Water
¼ Cup finely grated Parmesan Cheese
1 Tablespoon fresh Lemon Juice
1 Tablespoon finely minced Fresh Parsley
1 Tablespoon Granulated Sugar
1½ Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
1 large clove of Garlic, minced
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Black Pepper

Preparation And Cooking Time

Preparation Time	Cooking Time	Total Time
10 Minutes	15 Minutes	25 Minutes

How To Prepare Chicken Chopped Salad At Home

Step 1

Take a bowl, add chicken, and season it with salt and black pepper.

Step 2

Take a bowl, add mayonnaise, olive oil, white vinegar, lemon juice, a splash of water, parmesan cheese, sugar, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 3

Heat a skillet, add oil, and cook chicken until golden brown.

Step 4

To assemble the salad, take cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, shallots, olives, lettuce, and chicken together in a bowl.

Step 5

Pour the dressing over or serve it as a side; the choice is yours.

Step 6

Finally, garnish it with parsley and parmesan cheese.

Expert Tips That I Recommend

Make sure to dry your greens thoroughly so your salad doesn’t turn out watery.
When adding the dressing, chopped salads work best when ingredients are similar in size, ensuring you get chicken, veggies, and dressing in every forkful. Whisk in the olive oil slowly to achieve a glossy texture.
After cooking, let the chicken rest for at least 5 to 7 minutes before chopping or shredding.
I prefer using the ingredients at room temperature for the dressing so it emulsifies more smoothly and coats evenly.
I also, instead of pouring all the dressing at once, add it in stages and toss gently. This keeps the salad light and prevents the vegetables from becoming soggy, especially if you are storing it for later.

FAQs About Chicken Chopped Salad

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes, I usually make this salad with leftover chicken as it comes together very easily and tastes super meaty.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

If your avocado is browning, squeeze a little bit of lemon juice and this slows down the browning process.

Is it better to toss by hand or with utensils?

I would suggest tossing the salad using salad tongs. This will make sure your salad is nicely coated without any mess.

Should the ingredients be warm or cold?

When adding ingredients like chicken, I make sure to let it cool down and come to room temperature before adding it to the recipe.

How do I prevent a watery salad?

If you don’t want your salad to get watery, pat dry the veggies nicely. If your veggies are wet or have moisture, the salad gets watery and runny.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

To be honest, this Chicken Chopped Salad is so flavorful and healthy that it makes a great meal option for busy weekdays. This recipe offers a satisfying mix of protein, healthy fats, and fibre. Also, it’s moderately low in carbohydrates, so you don’t have to worry about extra calorie intake. Just one serving is enough to keep you full and satisfied.

Calories	334 kcal
Carbohydrates	22 g
Protein	6 g
Fat	26 g
Saturated Fat	4 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	3 g
Monounsaturated Fat	18 g
Sodium	117 mg
Potassium	258 mg
Fiber	5 g
Sugar	8 g
Vitamin A	237 IU
Vitamin C	9 mg
Calcium	45 mg
Iron	2 mg

Just in case you want to make some tweaks to the recipe, you can do so easily. Use healthy substitutes for the ingredients listed that suit your dietary preferences, and enjoy a guilt-free meal.

Recipe Variations For Different Diets

Low-Sodium Version: To make this wrap suitable for low-sodium diets, reduce or eliminate added salt and swap in low-sodium sauces or dressings.

Storing This Recipe

Refrigeration: To store the Chicken Chopped Salad, keep the undressed salad components in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: I would not recommend freezing the salad as the dish loses its texture and becomes watery once frozen and thawed.

What To Serve With This Recipe

I would recommend serving some Spinach Bread on the side to make your meal more fulfilling. If you want, you can pair it with Flatbread Pizza for a flavorful dinner.

Soups are also a great option to serve along with the salad. For me, Creamy Cauliflower Cheese Soup, Creamy Zucchini Soup, or Chicken Soup sounds super tempting.

Printable Version

More Recipes That You Can Try

Cobb Salad — Grilled Chicken Salad With Mango Salsa

Conclusion

Well, after checking out the recipe, I am sure you are convinced enough to try this at home. Trust me, this Chicken Chopped Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying dish that you can customize to suit your dietary and taste preferences. So, try it this weekend and let me know how you liked it.

Quick Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe

Equipment Required