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New York Style Chopped Salad
I still remember the first time I made this chopped salad, convinced it was just a sad bucket of leftovers. It wasn’t until I tossed in that sharp, garlicky vinaigrette and let it sit for ten minutes that the wilting spinach turned into something vibrant and crisp. The texture is what keeps me coming back; every bite delivers a crunch from the radish or cucumber against the softness of the chicken.
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized strips.
- Make the Vinaigrette: While the chicken rests, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Prep the Vegetables: Ensure all vegetables are chopped into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even dressing distribution. Dry the greens thoroughly using a salad spinner or paper towels; excess moisture will dilute the dressing.
- Assemble: In a large serving bowl, combine the spinach/arugula mix, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, radishes, and olives. Drizzle with about three-quarters of the vinaigrette and toss gently to coat.
- Serve: Top the dressed greens with the sliced chicken and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle remaining dressing over the top if desired. Serve immediately for maximum crunch.
Nutrition
Notes
This dish has earned its permanent spot in my rotation because it transforms pantry staples into a meal that feels intentional without the fuss. I always make sure to chop everything into uniform half-inch pieces so the dressing coats each component evenly. It’s sturdy enough to hold up for leftovers, yet fresh enough to feel like a light lunch or dinner.
The secret lies in the acid balance; a splash of extra lemon juice right before serving brightens the whole bowl and prevents the greens from turning slimy during storage.
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