34 Deliciously Fresh Chopped Salad Recipes for a Stress-Free Summer BBQ

Carmen Eldridge

September 12, 2025

Want to spice up your mealtimes? Chopped salads are a great way to do just that! These vibrant and flavorful creations offer a delicious twist on traditional salads, allowing you to enjoy a healthy meal without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re in the mood for something refreshing like a Greek-inspired combination or zesty like a Mexican fiesta, there’s a chopped salad recipe out there to suit your tastes.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into some of the best chopped salad recipes that will leave you feeling satisfied and eager for more. So, get ready to chop, toss, and indulge in these delightful culinary creations, and discover the world of chopped salads!

Crunchy Chopped Salad

Crunchy Chopped Salad

Sprouting with fresh flavors and textures, Crunchy Chopped Salad is a perfect recipe for spring. This versatile dish is loaded with an assortment of crisp ingredients such as romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and crunchy chickpeas, providing a delightful crunch in every bite. The creamy lemon tahini dressing adds a tangy and flavorful twist, allowing you to customize the salad by adding your preferred protein or substituting ingredients to suit your taste.

As a result, this salad offers a satisfying and healthy meal option that caters to various dietary needs.

Chopped Salad

Chopped Salad

Yellowing leaves of romaine hearts, sliced red bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly cut red onion, diced celery, grated carrots, and thin strips of English cucumber combine to create a Chopped Salad that’s both quick and easy to prepare. The homemade Italian dressing provides an added depth of flavor, making this salad a delightful accompaniment to any meal. This versatile dish can be customized with a variety of toppings, allowing it to seamlessly fit into any dinner table setting.

Italian Chopped Salad

Italian Chopped Salad

Making an appearance in many Italian restaurants and backyard barbecues alike, the Italian Chopped Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that combines crisp lettuce, radicchio, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, pearl mozzarella, provolone cheese, and pepperoncini. The mixture of textures and flavors creates a delightful harmony, with each component complementing the others in perfect balance.

Tossed in a tangy lemon vinaigrette and garnished with dried oregano, this salad is bursting with fresh Italian flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re in the mood for a light meal or looking to serve something alongside pizza, pasta, or classic picnic fare, this salad is an excellent choice. Its hearty ingredients make it a great option for a healthy lunch or a summer cookout.

Marinated Chopped Salad

Marinated Chopped Salad

Beyond the simplicity of its name, Marinated Chopped Salad is a vibrant and refreshing culinary experience that brings together a medley of colorful vegetables in perfect harmony. The addition of a tangy vinaigrette dressing adds a zesty kick to the crunchy texture of the veggies, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. Whether it’s a summer picnic or a quick lunch at the office, Marined Chopped Salad is an excellent option for those seeking a light and revitalizing meal.

This salad’s versatility allows for effortless substitutions and additions based on personal preferences, making it a highly adaptable recipe that can be tailored to suit individual tastes. Overall, Marinated Chopped Salad is a delicious and satisfying choice for anyone looking to inject some excitement into their meals, offering a flavorful twist on the classic chopped salad without compromising on nutritional value.

Everyday Chopped Salad

Everyday Chopped Salad

Transform your meals with Everyday Chopped Salad, a tasty and effortless recipe that combines crunchy lettuce, an assortment of fresh and jarred ingredients, and a straightforward dressing. Its versatility allows you to enjoy this salad daily without ever getting tired of it.

Chopped Wedge Salad

Chopped Wedge Salad

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of enjoying a mouth-watering Chopped Wedge Salad that truly exceeded my expectations. This simple yet delectable recipe can be easily adapted as either a main dish or a side salad. With just 5 key ingredients – crisp lettuce, crispy bacon, sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy blue cheese dressing, and tangy balsamic glaze – it’s no wonder why this salad comes together in a flash.

The harmonious balance of fresh crunch from the lettuce, rich creaminess from the dressing, and satisfying smokiness from the bacon makes for a truly satisfying dining experience. One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility – easily customize with different types of lettuce or your favorite toppings to create a unique version that suits your taste buds.

Creamy Italian Chopped Salad

Creamy Italian Chopped Salad

Bringing together the richness of Italy, Creamy Italian Chopped Salad is a satisfying and flavorful dish that combines provolone, pepperoni, salami, and a creamy mayo and yogurt dressing. This hearty salad can be enjoyed as either a main course or side dish, making it an excellent option for large gatherings or everyday meals.

Ruth Chris Copycat Chopped Salad

Ruth Chris Copycat Chopped Salad

Vibrant flavors and textures come together in the Ruth Chris Copycat Chopped Salad, creating an explosion of sensations that’s hard to resist. With its unique blend of ingredients such as iceberg lettuce, crispy bacon, peppery radicchio, crunchy croutons, green olives, and tangy blue cheese, this salad strikes a perfect balance between flavors and textures.

The dressing, crafted with a combination of sour cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, and fragrant fresh basil, adds an extra layer of depth and zesty freshness to the mix. Completing the dish are crispy fried onions and halved cherry tomatoes, carefully garnished on top to create a visually appealing and deliciously satisfying finish.

Easy Italian Chopped Salad

Easy Italian Chopped Salad

Here’s how you can enjoy a hearty Italian-inspired salad in no time – the Easy Italian Chopped Salad is a must-try for anyone who loves a good mix of flavors and textures. This mouth-watering salad boasts an assortment of fresh raw veggies, savory salami, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, all brought together with a zesty red pepper Italian dressing that adds a burst of flavor to each bite.

One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity – it’s incredibly easy to prepare and can be made in advance without compromising on freshness or taste. Whether you’re looking for a side dish or a main course, this salad fits the bill perfectly, and pairs particularly well with pizza, making it an excellent addition to any Italian-inspired meal.

As recommended by the recipe itself, serving the cheese and dressing on the side allows each guest to customize their salad to their liking, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy their perfect combination of flavors.

Favorite Chopped Salad

Favorite Chopped Salad

Laden with flavors and textures, the Favorite Chopped Salad is a true showstopper in the world of salads. This extraordinary creation combines homemade Italian dressing, crisp veggies, and Parmesan cheese to create a harmonious balance of tangy and savory notes. The dressing itself boasts a delightful touch of sweetness from maple syrup and depth from dried herbs, elevating the entire dish.

The crunchy veggies – including shallots, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes – add a refreshing and vibrant contrast to each bite. Meanwhile, the addition of jarred pepperoncini and green olives injects a tangy and salty kick that perfectly complements the other flavors. Finally, Parmesan shavings or shreds bring a delightful cheesy flavor that ties everything together.

This versatile salad is a masterclass in balance and harmony, pairing well with various dishes and making it easy to enjoy as either a side or main course. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, the Favorite Chopped Salad is an absolute must-try recipe for salad enthusiasts.

La Scala Chopped Salad

La Scala Chopped Salad

Year after year, La Scala Chopped Salad remains a beloved recipe among food enthusiasts due to its simplicity and customization options. At its core, this iconic salad consists of chopped iceberg lettuce, salami, shredded mozzarella cheese, and marinated chickpeas, all perfectly balanced in harmony.

The dressing, carefully crafted with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and a touch of pecorino romano cheese, adds an exquisite tangy and savory flavor to the dish, elevating it to new heights. One of the most appealing aspects of this chopped salad is its adaptability; individuals can easily tailor their experience by adding or removing ingredients according to their personal taste preferences.

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Elevating your dining experience to new heights, the Mediterranean Chopped Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish packed with an array of chopped vegetables. Its delightful combination of flavors encompasses the tanginess of feta cheese, the crunchiness of cucumbers, and the brininess of Kalamata olives, all perfectly balanced in every bite. This salad’s unique blend of ingredients can be effortlessly customized to suit any palate, making it an ideal recipe for a wide range of occasions.

Tossed with a simple yet flavorful vinaigrette, this Mediterranean masterpiece is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a nutritious option for those seeking a light and healthy meal or as a side dish that complements any main course.

BLT Chopped Salad

BLT Chopped Salad

Nourished by the perfect blend of flavors and textures, the BLT Chopped Salad is an ideal summer dish. Crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, and creamy feta come together in harmony, creating a delightful experience for the taste buds. The addition of kale adds a satisfying and healthy element to this mouthwatering salad. Meanwhile, the dressing – infused with a hint of lime and smoked paprika – masterfully ties all the ingredients together, elevating each bite to new heights.

Overall, this delectable BLT Chopped Salad is a refreshing and easy-to-make recipe that is sure to impress at any gathering.

Chopped Chef Salad

Chopped Chef Salad

Generally considered an all-American main course staple, the Chopped Chef Salad offers a delightful combination of protein-rich ingredients and crunchy textures. Its characteristic blend includes ham, turkey, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, refreshing cucumber, hard-boiled eggs, melted Swiss cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crunchy celery, carrots, and sweet red onion.

The salad is finished with a rich and creamy sweet onion dressing that adds an extra layer of flavor, making it a well-rounded and satisfying option for those seeking a traditional main course salad.

Asian Chopped Salad

Asian Chopped Salad

Brightened by its vibrant colors and satisfying crunch, the Asian Chopped Salad is a truly unique and delicious option. Loaded with an assortment of chopped vegetables such as cabbage, bell peppers, peas, carrots, and bean sprouts, this salad offers a healthy and flavorful take on traditional greens. The addition of a zesty sesame ginger dressing elevates it to new heights, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a light yet fulfilling meal.

Portillo’s Chopped Salad

Portillo

Taking its place among the most mouth-watering salads in the culinary world, Portillo’s Chopped Salad is an unforgettable experience. This harmonious blend of fresh ingredients, including crisp lettuce, crunchy red cabbage, caramelized onions, juicy tomatoes, al dente pasta, crispy bacon, and creamy Gorgonzola cheese, creates a delightful explosion of flavors on the palate. The homemade vinaigrette dressing adds a perfectly balanced tanginess and sweetness, elevating this salad to new heights.

Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a main course with added chicken or protein of choice, Portillo’s Chopped Salad is an excellent choice for any occasion.

Chopped Vegetable Salad

Chopped Vegetable Salad

Vibrant and versatile, Chopped Vegetable Salad is a perfect choice for health-conscious individuals who desire a light and satisfying meal. Packed with an assortment of fresh summer vegetables, including crunchy cucumbers, colorful bell peppers, and juicy tomatoes, this salad offers a symphony of textures and flavors. The addition of a zesty lemon-garlic dressing provides a burst of citrusy freshness, while the garlic contributes a subtle yet savory depth to the dish.

With its customizable nature, Chopped Vegetable Salad can be enjoyed as a side dish, a quick lunch, or even a more substantial dinner option.

Chipotle Cheddar Chopped Salad

Chipotle Cheddar Chopped Salad

Making a copycat Chipotle Cheddar Chopped Salad at home is easier than you think, and the result is an incredibly flavorful dish that exceeds the original in many ways. The combination of crunchy mixed greens, crumbled sharp cheddar, sliced grilled chicken, fresh cilantro, and colorful vegetables all come together beautifully in this salad. A key component that elevates it to the next level is the creamy chipotle honey-lime dressing, which adds a depth of flavor that’s both spicy and sweet.

To take it up another notch, add some diced avocado for extra creaminess, thinly sliced red onion for a punch of flavor, and crispy tortilla chips on top for added crunch and texture. For those who are fans of Chipotle’s chopped salad, this homemade version is sure to become a new favorite.

The Greenest Chopped Salad

The Greenest Chopped Salad

Here’s the rewritten draft: Highlighting the Greenest Chopped Salad, this recipe showcases an impressive array of green fruits and vegetables. Among its various ingredients are chopped greens, green apple, cucumber, edamame, green onion, avocado, broccoli, green grapes, and pistachios, all carefully selected to provide a nutrient-dense and visually appealing dish.

The salad’s crowning glory is the herb dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, dijon mustard, maple syrup, fresh herbs, garlic, salt, and black pepper – a flavor combination that perfectly complements its numerous ingredients, making it an ideal option for spring and summer when lighter, fresher meals are in order.

Big Italian Chopped Salad

Big Italian Chopped Salad

Packed with an array of fresh ingredients, the Big Italian Chopped Salad is a truly delightful creation that never fails to impress. This mouthwatering salad brings together a medley of flavors and textures, featuring romaine lettuce, radicchio, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cannellini beans, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, black olives, pepperoncini, pepperoni, sharp provolone cheese, and cucumber.

The combination of these ingredients is nothing short of genius, creating a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that will leave you craving more. When served with a homemade Italian vinaigrette, the salad takes on an entirely new level of flavor and depth, making it perfect for any meal occasion whether as a main course or a side dish. Overall, this salad is a standout choice that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Fall Harvest Chopped Salad

Fall Harvest Chopped Salad

Winding its way through the flavors of autumn, the Fall Harvest Chopped Salad combines the natural sweetness of apples, the tanginess of feta cheese, and the crunchy texture of pepitas in perfect harmony. The dressing, crafted with apple cider vinegar, adds a subtle yet invigorating flavor without adding excessive calories or guilt to this already delightful salad.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner solution or a weekend lunch option, the Fall Harvest Chopped Salad is an effortless way to enjoy a flavorful meal, and its adaptability makes room for added protein sources like quinoa, grilled chicken, or even roasted nuts. The inclusion of dried cranberries provides a sweet contrast to the savory elements, while maintaining the overall freshness and satisfaction that this autumnal-inspired salad embodies.

Mexican Chopped Salad

Mexican Chopped Salad

Copycat Portillo’s Chopped Salad

Copycat Portillo

Zeroing in on the key components, this Copycat Portillo’s Chopped Salad boasts an impressive blend of textures and flavors, starting with crisp romaine and iceberg lettuce, crunchy red cabbage, and ditalini pasta. The addition of cooked chicken, crispy bacon, juicy roma tomatoes, and pungent green onions provides a delightful contrast to the creamy gorgonzola cheese crumbles. Bringing everything together is a zesty lemon vinaigrette dressing that perfectly complements the mix of ingredients.

This satisfying salad is an excellent choice for a meal at any time of day, whether it’s lunch or dinner.

Portillos Chopped Salad

Portillos Chopped Salad

Zestfully combining flavors, the Portillo’s Chopped Salad brings together romaine lettuce, pasta, crispy bacon, melted cheese, juicy tomatoes, and tender cooked chicken in perfect harmony. The homemade vinaigrette is the crowning glory, adding an explosion of flavor that elevates this salad to a whole new level.

For those who can’t visit the restaurant but still crave the famous Portillo’s salad, this recipe is the ultimate solution – a true copycat version that nails the essence of the original with its delectable combination of textures and tastes, all perfectly balanced by the savory flavors of bacon and the tangy kick of the dressing.

Quick Basic Chopped Salad

Quick Basic Chopped Salad

Yellowing the traditional notion of salads as merely a side dish, The Quick Basic Chopped Salad offers a bold and versatile culinary experience that can be tailored to suit individual tastes. It combines spring mix, baby arugula, cucumbers, roasted red peppers, red onions, kalamata olives, and chicken to create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

To prepare this salad, you can either use a chopper or finely chop the ingredients on a cutting board, making it an accessible option for those short on time. For added flavor, consider dressing it with your preferred choice of dressing; Bolthouse Farms’ honey mustard dressing is a recommended pairing that complements the salad’s natural sweetness. Overall, The Quick Basic Chopped Salad provides a quick and satisfying meal solution packed with fresh flavors.

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