Looking for a delicious and easy salad recipe that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than the McCarthy Chopped Salad! Packed with fresh ingredients and a flavorful dressing, this salad is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Bursting with great flavors from the mix of fresh vegetables, grilled chicken, bacon, and cheddar cheese.
Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead.

Ingredient Notes:

For the Salad:

Romaine lettuce: Provides a crisp and refreshing base for the salad.
Grilled chicken: Adds protein and a savory flavor to the dish.

Baby cherry tomatoes: Bring a burst of sweetness and color to the salad.
Red beets: Adds earthy notes and a beautiful hue to the salad.
Cucumbers: Offer a cool and crunchy texture.

Chickpeas: Add a hearty element to the salad.
Bacon: Provides a salty and smoky flavor.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp and creamy element.

Avocado: Creamy and buttery addition to the salad.
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Season to taste.

For the Dressing:

Olive oil: Provides a rich and smooth base for the dressing.
Red wine vinegar: Adds acidity and brightness.
Fresh lemon juice: Offers a zesty kick to the dressing.

Roasted garlic: Adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Season to taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, red beets, cucumbers, chickpeas, bacon, cheddar cheese, and avocado.

In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, roasted garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Serve and enjoy!

Helpful Tips:

To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the grilled chicken and bacon.
For a vegan version, omit the cheese and use a plant-based alternative.

Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

To enhance the flavor of the salad, marinate the grilled chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before grilling.
For added crunch, toast the chickpeas in a skillet before adding them to the salad.

Use a mix of different colored cherry tomatoes for a visually appealing presentation.

Serving Suggestions:

This McCarthy Chopped Salad pairs well with a side of crusty bread or grilled corn on the cob. For drinks, try serving it with a refreshing glass of iced tea or a crisp white wine.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To maintain the best texture and flavor, wait to dress the salad until ready to serve. When ready to eat, give the salad a quick toss to refresh the ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients in advance and assemble them just before serving to keep them fresh.
Can I use a different type of cheese in this salad? Feel free to swap the cheddar cheese for feta, goat cheese, or any other cheese of your choice.
Can I use a store-bought dressing instead of making my own? While homemade dressing is recommended for the best flavor, you can use a store-bought option if needed.

Conclusion:

The McCarthy Chopped Salad is a versatile and tasty dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out! Share your feedback and any variations you made to make it your own. Enjoy!