Chopped Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing

Chopped Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe - From USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chopped Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing is a refreshing and flavorful salad that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner. The combination of crunchy vegetables and tangy blue cheese dressing creates a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Chopped salads have been a popular dish for many years, with variations found in different cuisines around the world. The addition of blue cheese dressing adds a creamy and tangy element to the salad, making it a favorite among salad lovers.

Ingredients

8 cups (440 g) of chopped iceberg lettuce
1 medium cucumber, seeded and chopped
3 plum tomatoes, diced
2 ribs of celery, thinly sliced
8 radishes, trimmed and thinly sliced
1 medium green bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 medium carrot, peeled and diced

Dressing

0.33 cup (80 ml) of buttermilk
0.5 oz (15 g) of crumbled blue cheese
1 tbsp (15 ml) of light mayonnaise
1 tbsp (15 ml) of red wine vinegar
1 tsp (5 ml) of worcestershire sauce
1 tsp (5 ml) of well-drained capers (optional)
0.5 tsp (2.5 ml) of freshly ground pepper

How to prepare

Combine the lettuce, cucumber, tomato, celery, radishes, bell pepper, and carrot in a large salad bowl.
Lightly toss.

Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and lightly toss to coat.

Variations

Add avocado slices for extra creaminess.
Substitute feta cheese for the blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
Use a balsamic vinaigrette dressing instead of the blue cheese dressing for a lighter option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

- For a creamier dressing, blend the blue cheese with the buttermilk and mayonnaise until smooth.

- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad for a protein boost.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or steak for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a crusty baguette or garlic bread.

Cooking Techniques

Chopping the vegetables into uniform pieces ensures that each bite has a mix of flavors and textures. Tossing the salad lightly with the dressing ensures that each ingredient is evenly coated.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite vegetables. You can also use a different type of cheese or dressing to suit your taste preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetables and dressing ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or additional blue cheese crumbles for an extra touch of flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also goes well with a light beer or sparkling water with lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing may separate slightly, so give it a good stir before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chopped Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this salad come from the vegetables and the dressing. The vegetables provide fiber and essential nutrients, while the dressing adds flavor and creaminess.

Fats

The fats in this salad come from the blue cheese, mayonnaise, and buttermilk. While these fats are higher in calories, they also provide essential nutrients and add richness to the salad.

Proteins

The protein in this salad comes from the blue cheese and mayonnaise. Adding grilled chicken or shrimp can increase the protein content and make the salad more filling.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is packed with vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables used. The lettuce provides vitamin A and vitamin K, while the tomatoes and bell pepper are rich in vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (blue cheese, buttermilk) and eggs (mayonnaise), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Chopped Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing is a nutritious and delicious salad that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for a light and satisfying meal.

Summary

Chopped Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing is a delicious and nutritious salad that is easy to make and perfect for a light meal or side dish. With a mix of crunchy vegetables and tangy dressing, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl learning the ins and outs of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, able to whip up the most delicious dishes with just a few simple ingredients.

One summer day, as we were preparing for a family gathering, my grandmother decided to teach me how to make her famous Chopped Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing. She gathered the ingredients from the garden outside – fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and fragrant herbs. As she chopped and mixed, she explained each step to me in detail, making sure I understood the importance of balance and flavor in every dish.

I watched in awe as she effortlessly created the most beautiful salad I had ever seen. The vibrant colors of the vegetables, the crisp texture of the lettuce, and the creamy richness of the blue cheese dressing all came together in perfect harmony. I couldn't wait to taste it.

When it was finally time to sit down and enjoy our meal, I took my first bite of the Chopped Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing. The flavors exploded in my mouth – tangy, creamy, and fresh all at once. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

Over the years, I practiced and perfected the recipe for Chopped Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing, making it my own with little tweaks and adjustments. I added a sprinkle of toasted nuts for crunch, a drizzle of honey for sweetness, and a dash of hot sauce for a kick of heat. Each time I made the salad, it brought back memories of that summer day with my grandmother, teaching me the art of cooking with love and passion.

I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all raved about its deliciousness. They couldn't believe that such a simple salad could pack such a flavor punch. I was proud to carry on my grandmother's legacy, passing down her recipe to the next generation of food lovers.

As the years went by, I continued to make the Chopped Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing for every special occasion – birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings. It became a staple at our table, a dish that brought us all together and reminded us of the love and joy that food can bring.

Now, as I grow older and my own grandchildren come to visit, I pass on the recipe for Chopped Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing to them. I show them how to chop the vegetables, mix the dressing, and create a masterpiece of flavors on a plate. I see the same wonder and excitement in their eyes that I once had when I first learned to make the salad from my own grandmother.

And as we sit down to enjoy our meal together, I know that the tradition of cooking and sharing delicious food will continue to live on in our family for generations to come. And it all started with a simple recipe for Chopped Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing, passed down from one generation to the next with love and care.