Culinary Central

5 Reasons Why to Love Chopped Salad

July 1, 2010 •Michael Lenzen •Sacramento • 0 Comments

First and foremost, you may be thinking “I love salad, but what exactly is a chopped salad?” Basically, a chopped salad is different from a normal full leaf one in the fact that, you guessed it, the ingredients are chopped or sliced into smaller sizes. There are a variety of different recipes, but some of the most common include chilled grilled meats, cucumbers, cooked veggies, onions, green peppers, cheese and sometimes fruits like berries or apple slices.  A light vinaigrette is a popular dressing option for most chopped salads.

Mediterranean food is one coveted culinary cuisine that uses this tasty creation wisely. The classic Greek salad often is topped with feta, olives, scallions and cucumbers.


1. Presentation
When entertaining, a chopped salad can be the perfect appetizer or with enough heartiness can even be turned into an amazing entry. The classic full leaf, wash and eat type salads may be practical when making salad for the family or yourself, but when it comes to entertaining, a chopped salad just looks more appealing. Sometimes the best chopped salads don’t even have to have lettuce. Many people choose to use chicken, beans, tofu or nuts as the main ingredient. Colorful fruits, veggies and meats will add the essential elements of an aesthetically pleasing and tasty salad.

2. Easy To Eat
The bite size ingredients allow for easier conversations with guests, or family members, while enjoying your food. No more worry or unflattering questions like “do I have something in my teeth?”  For the slightly obsessive compulsive or the culinary perfectionist, the easy to eat forkful is the perfect answer. No mess, no fuss just good old fashioned salad, just how you like it. 

3. Easy To Make
The great thing about salads is that it takes little effort to create a huge taste. With the right tools, chopping a salad takes no time at all. A mezzaluna is the perfect option for those who frequently make chopped salads or salsa. Basically, it consists of a curved blade, sometimes single or double, that often has a handle on each end or sometimes a single handle that runs from one side to the other. By rolling it slightly from one end to the other, you can slice your veggies, meats and cheeses much more efficiently without putting your fingers in peril. Just use a cutting board and start placing all your ingredients in a large bowl and you will have the perfect chopped salad in no time.

4. Great for Weight Loss
Losing weight can be difficult, but one of the biggest misconceptions is that you have to give up your favorite foods altogether. Chopped salads offer the opportunity to create your own perfectly balanced meal complete with all the veggie goodness your body craves. Look up the proper serving size for your favorite meats and cheeses and go lean with less fatty cuts of meat and reduced fat cheeses. Incorporating more roughage into your diet will leave you feeling more satiated.


5.  Health Benefits
One of the healthiest green additions that you can add to your salad is fresh baby spinach leaves. Spinach has even been found to help diabetics regulate blood sugar levels and it is rich in vitamins C and A. Other green veggies and fresh fruit supply essential vitamins and minerals to the body without making you feel like you are being health conscious, they just taste that good! Depending on your dietary needs, chopped salads can be whatever you desire. Most importantly, have fun and add what you like. Whether entertaining others or simply making a meal for yourself, chopped salads are fun to make and loaded with nutritional benefits.

This article is presented by Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Sacramento. Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Sacramento offers culinary arts and pâtisserie and baking training programs in Sacramento, California. To learn more about the class offerings, please visit Chefs.edu/Sacramento for more information.

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