Valentina's Corner
This Chopped Salad Recipe is a light, yet delicious side dish. It’s quick to chop up and compliments so many main course meals. The romaine with bacon bits and crispy wontons trips tossed in our avocado dressing makes for the best salad.
Chopped Salad Recipe
This chopped salad is a twist on Bravo’s Insalata Della Casa. It is the perfect side with a mix of salty bacon, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomatoes, mixed in our creamy dressing and topped with the secret ingredient- crunchy, fried wonton strips! It’s unbelievably delicious, even stubborn kids will want to eat their veggies in this salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A healthy side. A fresh salad can lighten even a dense meal and is healthy yet flavorful.
- Can be prepared in advance. You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Perfect for a crowd. The recipe can easily be upscaled to serve as a side for a family gathering or holiday party.
- Light for summer. The salad is made with fresh ingredients, readily available during the summer months.
Chopped Salad Ingredients
The ingredients for this chopped salad recipe are crisp and fresh, a perfect pairing for a refreshing summer salad!
- Bacon- adds savory flavor and makes the salad more filling.
- Greens- use a combination of romaine and lettuce.
- Veggies- chopped cucumbers and cherry tomatoes are traditionally found in this salad.
- Wonton strips- fried wonton strips are the secret ingredient to the crunchy finish!
- Parmesan- the cheese adds tangy flavor to the salad.
- Avocado dressing- this homemade avocado ranch dressing consists of avocado, milk, sour cream, and mayo as the base. It’s seasoned with garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs!
For a full list of ingredients and quantities, see the recipe card below.
How to Make Chopped Salad
Like most salads, this one is easy to chop and bring together, following these instructions.
- Make the dressing: In a food processor or blender, combine all of the dressing ingredients and pulse together until smooth.
- Saute bacon: Chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces. Saute in a skillet over medium heat until well cooked. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate, and allow the excess grease to drip off. Or, use our air fryer bacon method.
- Prep vegetables: Chop the iceberg lettuce and romaine lettuce. Halve the grape tomatoes and slice the cucumbers.
- Combine salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the lettuce, romaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, bacon, fried wonton strips, and cheese.
- Add dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve and enjoy, friends!
Substitutions and Variations
You can switch up the recipe based on the salad ingredients you have in your fridge.
- Different base: You can use baby spinach, kale, or just iceberg alone if you prefer.
- Store-bought dressing: For an even quicker prep time, substitute homemade dressing with store-bought avocado dressing.
- Different vegetables: Add chopped bell peppers, red onions, avocado chunks, or even corn kernels!
- Add more protein: If you’re planning to serve this as a stand-alone dish for lunch, you may choose to add additional protein such as grilled chicken to taste. Or, add chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chopped Italian salad as a side, complimenting your favorite meals!
- Flatbread: Make a flatbread pizza like an avocado chicken or the BBQ chicken flatbread.
- Pasta: An Italian classic that can be made in many unique ways. Try with bolognese pasta or with the classic Alfredo!
- Chicken: Compliment a main dish such as chicken parm or baked wings with a fresh chopped salad.
- Seafood: A main course of air-fried salmon or garlic butter shrimp pairs well with chopped salad.
REcipe FAQs
You may pre-chop the vegetables and combine them in a bowl, and make the dressing. Store the salad and the dressing separately in the fridge. Combine just before serving to prevent a soggy salad.
Yes, you can whisk together a classic homemade Ranch, a vinaigrette, or an olive oil-based Italian dressing to use instead of the avocado dressing.
You can make the salad vegetarian by leaving out the bacon. Or, make it vegan by leaving out the cheese and using a vegan dressing of your choice.
Fried wonton strips are made out of sliced wonton wrappers that are fried in oil until crispy. You can make your own, or buy pre-made ones at an Asian market or on Amazon.
Shredded provolone cheese, mozzarella cheese, feta cheese, or goat cheese can be used as a substitute for parmesan if you prefer.
Storing Leftovers
- Storage. For best results, store the undressed salad and the salad dressing separately in the fridge. If the salad has been mixed together with the dressing, store leftovers in the fridge for 1-2 days in an airtight container. We recommend enjoying the salad fresh!
- Freeze. We do not recommend freezing salad, as fresh vegetables will not retain their freshness after being thawed. The dressing may separate if frozen.
More Salad Recipes
Salads are a classic side dish and are easy to toss together. Also, try these salad recipes:
Chopped Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz bacon cooked
- 1 small heart romaine chopped
- ½ head small lettuce chopped
- 8 oz cherry tomatoes sliced
- 2 mini cucumbers sliced
- 2 cups fried wonton strips
- 2 Tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 portion avocado dressing
avocado dressing-
- 1 large avocado
- 1/2 cup milk
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayo
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 Tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 tsp fresh dill chopped
Instructions
- Make one portion of the Avocado Dressing by combining all the ingredients in a food processor.
- Cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces and saute over medium-high heat until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a bowl lined with a paper towel to remove excess fat.
- Chop the romaine and lettuce, halve the tomatoes or, leave them whole if you prefer, and slice the cucumbers.
- In a bowl, add the lettuce, romaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, bacon, fried wonton strips, cheese and pour the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine all of the ingredients.
- Serve and enjoy, friends.
Notes
Add protein: If you’re serving this salad for lunch, add sliced or shredded chicken for a more complete, filling meal.
Prep in advance: Prepare the vegetables, bacon, and wonton strips in advance, store the dressing separately, and mix just before serving.