Hey there! If you’re looking for a delicious, flavor-packed salad that feels like a full meal, you’ve just found it. The LA Chop is a fresh, crunchy, and satisfying salad that brings together vibrant ingredients in a way that keeps you coming back for more.
And the best part? It’s super easy to make. I’ll walk you through everything, from the ingredients to the best way to store leftovers (if there are any!). Let’s get started.
Utensils You Need
To make this salad, you’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Salad tongs or two large spoons
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl (for the dressing)
- Whisk or fork (to mix the dressing)
Important Info
- Servings: 4 large portions
- Estimated Cost to Make: Around $12–$15, depending on ingredient prices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: No cooking required
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Calories per Serving: About 350
- Cook Method: No-cooking required
- Season: Perfect year-round
- Courses: Salad, Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Diets: GlutenFreeDiet, LowCalorieDiet, VegetarianDiet
How to Make The LA Chop
This is a quick and easy salad with fresh ingredients and a tangy dressing. Let’s get right into it.
Ingredients You Need
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup chopped radicchio
- 1 cup diced cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped cucumbers
- ½ cup sliced red onions
- ½ cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- ¼ cup toasted sunflower seeds
For the dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Alternative Ingredients
If you don’t have everything listed above, here are some easy swaps:
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Romaine lettuce | Iceberg lettuce or spinach |
| Radicchio | Purple cabbage |
| Feta cheese | Goat cheese or shredded parmesan |
| Chickpeas | White beans or black beans |
| Red wine vinegar | Apple cider vinegar |
| Honey | Maple syrup or agave |
| Sunflower seeds | Chopped almonds or walnuts |
Instructions
- Chop all the veggies. Dice the romaine, radicchio, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions.
- Toss them into a large bowl. Add the chickpeas, feta cheese, black olives, and sunflower seeds.
- Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad. Use salad tongs or two large spoons to mix everything well.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy your fresh and crunchy LA Chop!
Helpful Tips
- If you’re making this salad ahead, store the dressing separately and mix just before serving.
- To make it a full meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- If you want extra crunch, toss in some croutons or crispy bacon bits.
- Use fresh lemon juice instead of vinegar for a slightly different tangy flavor.
- Don’t skip the sunflower seeds—they add the perfect crunch!
What to Serve with The LA Chop
This salad is filling on its own, but if you want to make it part of a bigger meal, here are some great pairings:
- Grilled chicken or steak
- A side of garlic bread
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- A bowl of soup (like tomato or minestrone)
How Do You Serve the LA Chop?
A large salad bowl is perfect for serving. If you’re making individual portions, use wide, shallow bowls so every bite gets a mix of flavors.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This salad is great for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep for the week. It’s perfect for:
- Summer picnics (because it stays fresh and crisp)
- Office lunches (it travels well in an airtight container)
- Light dinner nights when you don’t feel like cooking
- BBQs and potlucks—everyone loves a fresh, crunchy salad!
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If you’re serving the salad within an hour, just leave it covered on the counter.
- Keep the dressing separate to prevent sogginess.
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep the dressing in a separate container to maintain freshness.
Freezing
- This salad is not freezer-friendly. The fresh veggies will become watery and lose their texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the LA Chop ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. The veggies will stay fresh for about 2 days in the fridge.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu make great additions for extra protein.
What if I don’t like feta cheese?
You can swap it for goat cheese, parmesan, or even omit it entirely. The salad will still be delicious.
Is this salad kid-friendly?
Yes, but you might want to chop the veggies into smaller pieces and use a milder cheese like shredded mozzarella.
Can I use bottled dressing instead of homemade?
Yes, you can use your favorite store-bought vinaigrette, but homemade dressing gives it the best fresh taste.