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Chopped Salad Recipe

Chopped Salad Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 18 reviews

A vibrant and tasty chopped salad featuring fresh romaine, sweet pears, crispy bacon, crunchy maple pecans, sharp cheddar cheese, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a harmonious blend of balsamic vinaigrette and poppy seed dressing. Perfect as a refreshing side or a light main dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 8 cups romaine hearts, chopped
  • 1 pear, chopped
  • 8 pieces bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, diced
  • 1 cup dried cranberries

Maple Pecans

  • 1 recipe maple pecans (see separate recipe)

Dressings

  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette
  • 1/2 cup poppy seed dressing

Instructions

  1. Make Maple Pecans: Prepare the maple pecans according to the maple pecans recipe, ensuring they are properly coated and toasted for maximum flavor and crunch.
  2. Chop Ingredients: Chop the romaine hearts, pear, cooked bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese into uniform ½ to ¾ inch pieces to achieve the characteristic texture of a chopped salad.
  3. Layer Salad: In a large serving bowl, place the chopped romaine as the base. Evenly distribute the pears, bacon, maple pecans, diced cheddar, and dried cranberries over the greens.
  4. Combine Dressings: In a separate jar or bowl, combine the balsamic vinaigrette and poppy seed dressing. Shake or whisk vigorously until fully blended.
  5. Toss Salad: Pour the combined dressings over the salad. Use tongs to gently toss all ingredients together so the dressing coats each piece evenly. Serve immediately for optimal freshness.

Notes

  • You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
  • For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon or replace with smoked tofu or tempeh.
  • Make the salad just before serving to maintain crispness of the greens and prevent sogginess.
  • Leftover maple pecans can be stored separately in an airtight container for up to one week.
  • Adjust dressings ratios according to personal taste—some prefer more vinaigrette or poppy seed dressing.

Nutrition

Keywords: chopped salad, maple pecans, bacon salad, pear salad, fall salad, crispy salad, balsamic vinaigrette, poppy seed dressing

Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/chopped-salad-recipe/