I recently tried making this Feta Chopped Salad Recipe , and I have to say, it instantly became my favorite quick and fresh dish. The combination of crisp romaine, creamy feta, and tangy red wine vinaigrette is simply irresistible.
I love how easy it is to throw together after a busy day. Every bite feels vibrant and refreshing, perfect as a side or main dish. Let me walk you through how I make this delightful salad at home.
You can also enjoy similar flavors in desserts like Mixed Berry Cobbler with Biscuit Topping Recipe or even something fun for the holidays like Easy Reindeer Cupcakes Recipe.
Ingredients for Feta Chopped Salad
Here’s everything you need to make this salad burst with flavor. I like to use fresh ingredients whenever possible—it really makes a difference!
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped – crisp and fresh, avoid pre-washed bags that are soggy
- 1 cup cucumber, diced – adds crunch and freshness
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced – sharp flavor balances the creamy feta
- 1/2 cup Feta cheese, crumbled – I prefer fresh feta over pre-crumbled for better texture
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped – brings a fragrant, herbaceous note
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar – for tanginess in the dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil – adds richness and binds the flavors
- Salt and black pepper to taste – enhances the natural flavors
Note: serves 2-3 generously
Variations
I love experimenting with this salad. Here are some tweaks I often try:
- Swap cucumbers for cherry or grape tomatoes for a sweeter bite
- Add pitted Kalamata or Castelvetrano olives for a briny punch
- Toss in canned chickpeas to make it more filling
- Replace red wine vinegar with fresh lemon juice for a lighter dressing
- Add diced grilled chicken or shrimp to transform it into a main dish
Cooking Time
Here’s a quick glance at the time you’ll spend:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking needed!)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Equipment You Need
Even simple salads benefit from the right tools:
- Large mixing bowl – to toss everything evenly
- Chef’s knife – for chopping veggies precisely
- Cutting board – protects your counters and keeps things organized
- Salad tongs or large spoon – helps mix the dressing thoroughly
How to Make Feta Chopped Salad Recipe?
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
I start by washing and chopping the romaine, cucumbers, and red onion. Keeping pieces bite-sized ensures every forkful gets a mix of flavors.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, I whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. It’s simple, but this dressing ties the salad together perfectly.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Next, I add the chopped vegetables, feta, and dill to the mixing bowl. I pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Step 4: Serve or Chill
You can serve immediately for a crisp salad or chill it for 10-15 minutes to let flavors meld. I love that extra burst of flavor from chilling!
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
From my experience, these little tricks elevate the salad:
- I always crumble fresh feta myself—it tastes so much creamier
- Make sure lettuce is thoroughly dry to avoid a soggy salad
- I sometimes add a pinch of garlic powder to the dressing for extra depth
- Tasting as I go helps me adjust vinegar and salt perfectly
How to Serve Feta Chopped Salad Recipe?
This salad is super versatile:
- Serve as a side with grilled chicken, steak, or seafood
- Garnish with extra dill or a few olives for visual appeal
- For a main dish, top with chickpeas or diced protein
- I like to serve it in a clear bowl so the colors pop
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick snapshot of what you’re eating per serving:
- Calories: 173
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 4.5g
- Fat: 16.5g
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Lettuce might soften slightly, but the flavors remain vibrant.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as fresh vegetables and feta lose their texture when thawed.
Reheating
No need to reheat—it’s perfect served cold. Just give it a gentle toss before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
I’ve fallen in love with this salad for so many reasons:
- It’s super fast and easy, perfect for busy weeknights
- Highly versatile with plenty of ingredient variations
- Offers a fresh, vibrant flavor that pairs with many dishes
- Can be adapted for dietary preferences like vegetarian or low-carb
- Makes a visually appealing addition to any meal table
This Feta Chopped Salad is a must-try if you want something fresh, flavorful, and effortlessly delicious. Every bite has a perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and crisp textures, making it my go-to salad for any occasion.