Transform your kitchen into a gourmet salad bar with this delicious recreation of the famous Chopt-style salad. This recipe brings together crisp vegetables, premium proteins, and a zesty homemade dressing that captures the essence of the popular salad chain’s signature taste.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Serves: 4 people
Health Benefits
This nutrient-rich salad is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. The combination of lean protein from the chicken, healthy fats from avocado and almonds, and an abundance of fresh vegetables provides a well-balanced meal.
The dark leafy greens offer vitamin K, iron, and antioxidants, while the variety of vegetables ensures a good intake of fiber and essential nutrients.
Ingredients
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped finely
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 avocado, cubed
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds, sliced
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Execution
- Prepare the Vegetables: Thoroughly wash all produce and chop the lettuce and spinach into fine, bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife or mezzaluna.
- Prep the Proteins: Dice the grilled chicken breast into small, uniform cubes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, spinach, chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the Salad: Toss the vegetables and chicken with the dressing, then top with crumbled feta cheese and toasted almonds.
Additional Tips
For the best texture, make sure all ingredients are chopped to similar sizes. You can prep the vegetables ahead of time, but add the dressing just before serving to maintain crispness.
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
