Shades of Green Chopped Salad Recipe on Food52 (2024)

Avocado

by: fortheloveofyum

January13,2011

4

9 Ratings

  • Serves 2 to 3

Jump to Recipe

Author Notes

I love combining sweet and savory in salads and that is where the idea for this dish came from. Dried fruits and nuts are a must in most of my salads, I love the texture and crunch they have and the wonderful contrast they give to the freshness of fruits and vegetables. - fortheloveofyum —fortheloveofyum

Test Kitchen Notes

Fast-forward to summer. Admittedly, we're tiptoeing a bit out of season here in the Northeast for this salad, but trust us, it's worth it. Fortheloveofyum has assembled a cool palette of greens -- crisp cucumber, tart Granny Smith, crunchy pistachio, sweet golden raisin, and a sparkly creme fraiche and chive dressing to hold it all together -- all while cleverly sidestepping the distraction of the classic salad green: lettuce. Bites of salty bleu sharpen the focus. We say: let the sun shine. - A&M —The Editors

  • Test Kitchen-Approved
  • Your Best Salad with Apples Contest Finalist

What You'll Need

Ingredients
  • Chive dressing
  • 1 small clove garlic
  • 2 tablespoonsChampagne vinegar
  • 1 teaspooncrème fraîche
  • 1 tablespoonhoney
  • 1 tablespoonchopped chives
  • 2 tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 pinchsea salt and black pepper, plus more to taste
  • Salad
  • 1 Granny Smith apple, chopped
  • 1 Hass avocado, chopped
  • 1 tablespoonfreshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 English cucumber, chopped
  • 1/4 cupchopped pistachios
  • 1/4 cupgolden raisins
  • 1/3 cupcrumbled gorgonzola cheese, room temperature
  • 1 pinchsalt and black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 2 tablespoonschopped chives, for garnish (optional)
Directions
  1. Chive dressing
  2. In a blender, add in the garlic, Champagne vinegar, crème fraîche, honey, chives, salt, and pepper. Blend until combined.
  3. With the blender still on, through the top, stream in the olive oil. Blend until combined. Taste for salt and pepper. Set aside.
  1. Salad
  2. Toss the apple and avocado in the lemon juice so they don't oxidize. Then, combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and toss with the chive dressing. You may not have to use all of the dressing—I don't like mine too wet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with some chopped chives. This salad can be made up to 3 to 4 hours in advance. If you are making the salad in advance add in the room temperature gorgonzola when you serve the salad.

Tags:

  • Salad
  • American
  • Champagne
  • Honey
  • Vegetable
  • Vinegar
  • Avocado
  • Chive
  • Lemon Juice
  • Fruit
  • Cheese
  • Vegetarian
Contest Entries
  • Your Best Salad with Apples

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • rebeck

  • DeirdreMS

  • GourMel

  • kitty.galore.77

  • ihaventpoisonedyouyet

Popular on Food52

77 Reviews

Ceege September 8, 2019

Is there any type of "greens" in this recipe? The pix looks like possibly romaine chopped. It seems that with just the ingredients listed, there is not enough body to this salad.

Ascender April 30, 2022

I might add a handful of fresh soft herbs. Sorrel would be nice.

Juliette September 1, 2019

My family loved this salad and they are all not salad lovers. In the photo I saw chopped lettuce, but I didn't see it in the ingredient list, but I added it anyway. I will definitely make it again!

Ceege April 21, 2017

I saved this in my salad folder to hopefully use very soon. There seems to be something missing from the ingredient list. Looking at the picture it appears to have chopped romaine lettuce as part of the salad. Without the lettuce it doesn't seem to have much bulk, other than apples, avocado and nuts. Can someone please advise me as to whether I should make as stated or should I add some type of "greens".

Anne April 7, 2021

I have gone through the reviews and replies, but nothing as to the greens in the salad. Looks like romaine to me. I know these reviews are older, but it would be great to know what the author used. Thank you.

rebeck November 25, 2016

Added little gems and pomegranate to mine. Subtracted the cuke. It was a huge hit.

Brittany November 21, 2016

Hi there - this sounds delicious but I'm confused by the photo. In the picture I see what looks like lettuce and dill, not mentioned in the recipe. Are these recommended additions? If so, what kind and how much? Thanks!

Linda K. April 22, 2017

Do you also see radish?

Sinamen78 November 3, 2018

Looks like kalamatas too? Maybe wrong picture for this recipe?

DeirdreMS November 16, 2016

Any ideas for alternatives to gorgonzola cheese as husband cant handle it.

drbabs November 16, 2016

My husband doesn't eat gorgonzola either. I've used very sharp cheddar and smoked cheddar, which I've cut into tiny cubes. I love this salad--it's one of my potluck go-to's. Have fun.

Thanks!

Ninaw2000 November 16, 2016

You could also try feta!

Sinamen78 December 30, 2020

Feta ?

Becky W. April 8, 2022

Crumbled feta?

Mary August 1, 2016

This recipe sounds great but the inclusion of green raisins really irks me. They are not for sale in any store near me (Bend, OR) and a Google search told me they are chiefly imported from Iran and China. They can be bought online but are quite expensive plus shipping. Is it really necessary to include ingredients that aren't readily available? How about suggesting a substitute or stating that the recipe doesn't work well without that ingredient?

drbabs August 1, 2016

Hi Mary. I make this all the time. It's quite adaptable. I use golden raisins when I have them. I've also used regular raisins, dried cranberries, dried cherries, and chopped up dried apricots. Really, you can use any dried fruit, or leave it out. The recipe will still be delicious.

nicole R. March 12, 2016

Delish! Served as starter course for my pork enchiladas verdes. So much flavor. The only change I made was to use Craisins instead of golden raisins. I liked the dash of color.

GourMel August 26, 2014

Whipped this up this morning for lunch. I just ate it and felt compelled to write about how amazingly delicious this was. I subbed the champagne vinegar for apple cider vinegar, creme fraiche for greek yogurt and raisins for dried cranberries. Definitely a repeat!

Karen August 21, 2013

Made this tonight. It's chilling a bit before dinner. I can't wait to pull it out and wow my family!

kitty.galore.77 July 4, 2013

This was just stunning. I didn't even use the dressing, the avocado seemed to coat everything nicely, just topped lightly with the chives and was beyond pleased both aesthetically and on the palate. Thank you for this!

Ninaw2000 April 2, 2013

This is the best and easy salad recipe for the big or small crowd. I tried this recipe came out delicious.

Susige April 2, 2013

I don't know what I was missing until today when I found this recipe. I made it for a quick lunch as I had all the ingredients in my fridge/pantry except for the raisins - instead I subbed Craisins. This will be on the menu for my next dinner party!

fydnic August 3, 2012

Is there a ready made dressing I could use? I don't think I can find all of the ingredients where I live. Thanks!

Becky W. April 8, 2022

I often just zest a large lemon and ream out all the juice, a little dash of olive oil, dash of fresh ground pepper. Light and fresh!

ihaventpoisonedyouyet August 3, 2012

There is no way this could have been better! It was so easy to make, I had all the ingredients on hand (how often does that happen?) and it looks beautiful. Can't wait to make this again. Great for the summer.

Kimerooch11 July 16, 2012

Fantastic salad, although my 4 year old did not approve... :). Tthat just means it was really good, however. Will keep this one handy for future reference.

Wonderland K. May 11, 2012

This is fantastic. I served it on a bed of arugula--a hit! Will be saving this one.

betty888 April 29, 2012

I made this for a tapas party this weekend. I served a lot of rich foods (cheese! garlic! olive oil galore!) and wanted something fresh and green to cut the richness. This fit the bill. Strange how all of this just works so well together! Very delicious and creative. Super easy to make too.

Synky April 5, 2012

Great salad! Made it tonight and will definitely be making it again very soon. Very smooth taste - mild but flavorful. Four year old approved. Lovely!

Carmen C. January 11, 2012

1 teaspoon sour cream
1/2tea whipping cream plus 1/2 teaspoon buttermilk or yogurt
1/2 teas whipping cream plus 1/2 tea sour cream
1 tea mascarpone cheese

Shades of Green Chopped Salad Recipe on Food52 (2024)

FAQs

Why do chopped salads taste better? ›

In a tossed salad, you may taste two or even several ingredients at a time, but rarely are all present in each mouthful, and the proportion of flavors varies widely from bite to bite. But a well-made chopped salad presents you with a harmonious, balanced combination of sweet, salty, sour, and bitter flavors every time.

What are the different types of greens for salad? ›

Components might include spinach, arugula, romaine, chard, frisee, radicchio, kale, red leaf, green leaf and oak leaf.

What are the four components of composed green salads? ›

Base: usually a layer of salad greens that line the plate or bowl in which the salad will be served. Body: consists of the main ingredients. Garnish: enhances the appearance while also complementing the overall taste; must be edible. Salad dressings: are liquids or semi-liquids used to flavor salads.

When preparing salads What are the four basic parts of the salad? ›

The basic parts of a salad are the base, the body, the garnish, and the dressing. The five basic types of salad are green salads (tossed or composed), bound, vegetable, fruit, and combination.

How do restaurants get their salads so crisp? ›

Lettuce actually needs a good amount of airflow, in addition to a bit of moisture (but not too much!), in order to stay crisp. That's why restaurants store their lettuce in special perforated bins that allow for air circulation while it's held in the fridge.

Why are restaurant salads so much better than homemade? ›

In the restaurant I worked in, I also noticed that cooks seasoned every element with a pinch of salt — even the lettuce. This resulted in every bite tasting vibrant and flavorful. "Season your salad just like you would anything else," Simpson said.

Which salad greens are healthiest? ›

Greens are also low in calories, but high in nutrients and volume, which can be helpful if you're trying to manage your weight," Moore points out. Some of the most nutritious greens include spinach, kale, romaine, watercress, and arugula (see "Salad greens by the numbers").

What is a good base for salad? ›

Start with a base

The good carbs listed below provide you with energy, fibre, vitamins and minerals – and they serve as excellent salad bases: leafy greens such as romaine, arugula, kale and spinach. whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice and bulgur.

Which is not an important factor to consider in salad preparation? ›

Answer: Of the four factors given, (c) arrangement of food is the least considered in salad preparation. Explanation: Salad as an appetizer, is known as a mix of ingredients (usually cold) that are appealing to both the eyes and the palate.

Which salad is most often used slightly sweeter? ›

Boston lettuce is usually larger than bibb, and a little sweeter and milder. But they can be used interchangeably in most recipes. The cuplike shape of butterhead lettuce makes it ideal for lettuce cups or lettuce wraps: Fill each leaf with larb, chicken salad, egg salad, chopped tomatoes and avocado, you name it.

What is the most popular American lettuce? ›

What Is the Most Popular American Lettuce?
  • Endive. ...
  • Butterhead. ...
  • Oak Leaf. ...
  • Lollo Rosso. ...
  • Iceberg. ...
  • Romaine. ...
  • Green Leaf. Green leaf lettuce has ruffled edges and a mild taste. ...
  • Red Leaf. Red leaf lettuce is similar to green leaf but with reddish-purple leaves.

What role does vinegar play in salad dressing? ›

In summary, vinegar adds acidity, acts as an emulsifier, enhances flavor, acts as a preservative, and can be used as a marinade ingredient in a vinaigrette.

What is the most important part of the salad? ›

While all components contribute to a well-rounded salad, the dressing is often regarded as the most important for flavor and cohesion!

What should the garnish on the salad be? ›

Garnishes for Salads

Vegetables (fresh or cooked), fruits (fresh or dried), cheese, proteins (meat, poultry, and fish), croutons, nuts, and seeds are options. Sprouts, flowers, and micro shoots are also possibilities.

What's the point of a chopped salad? ›

Chop'd salads distinguish themselves by uniform bite-size cutting of all ingredients instead of intact leaves and large vegetable slices. This allows more flavor blending in each tasty bite!

Are premade chopped salads healthy? ›

Different microorganisms can contaminate those leafy greens inside packaged salads, including pathogenic E. coli, norovirus, Salmonella, Listeria, and Cyclospora. But the most common microorganism identified in these unfortunate scenarios is E. coli O157:H7, which can potentially cause life-threatening diseases.

Why do chefs tear lettuce instead of cutting? ›

Food52 shares that lettuce leaves "must" be torn up by hand and into small enough pieces for one to fit in one's mouth. They go on to warn that lettuce should "never" be chopped, sliced, or cut with a knife because it will damage the lettuce leaves and cause them to brown.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Last Updated:

Views: 5763

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Birthday: 1992-08-21

Address: Apt. 237 662 Haag Mills, East Verenaport, MO 57071-5493

Phone: +331850833384

Job: District Real-Estate Architect

Hobby: Skateboarding, Taxidermy, Air sports, Painting, Knife making, Letterboxing, Inline skating

Introduction: My name is Saturnina Altenwerth DVM, I am a witty, perfect, combative, beautiful, determined, fancy, determined person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.