Ultimate Chopped Salad with Grilled Chicken
Experience a fresh and vibrant take on the popular Cheesecake Factory Chopped Salad with this Ultimate Chopped Salad recipe. Packed with crunchy romaine lettuce, tender grilled chicken, ripe avocado, juicy tomatoes, and sweet corn, this salad is a feast for the senses. Finished off with crispy bacon, creamy blue cheese, and a zesty homemade balsamic vinaigrette, this dish is perfect for lunch or dinner. It's not only delicious but also healthy, making it a great option for any occasion. Toss everything together in just under 15 minutes for a meal that is both satisfying and refreshing!
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Romaine lettuce
12 cups (finely chopped)
Grilled chicken breasts
2 cups (diced)
Roma tomatoes
4 (seeded and diced finely)
Avocados
2 (pitted and chopped)
Corn kernels
1 cup (fresh cooked or frozen thawed)
Bacon
1/2 cup (chopped crisp-cooked)
Blue cheese
3/4 cup (crumpled (small))
Granny Smith apple
1 (chopped (skin on))
Olive oil
1/2 cup (for dressing)
Balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons (for dressing)
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (for dressing)
Shallot
1 tablespoon (chopped (for dressing))
Garlic clove
1 (crushed (for dressing))
Sea salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste (for dressing))
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (fresh ground (for dressing))
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, diced tomatoes, chopped avocados, corn, crisp bacon, blue cheese crumbles, and chopped Granny Smith apple.
2
Gently toss the mixture together until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
3
For the dressing, in a small food processor, add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, chopped shallot, crushed garlic, sea salt, and black pepper.
4
Process the dressing ingredients until everything is well blended and smooth.
5
Drizzle the homemade balsamic vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
6
Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or refrigerate covered for up to an hour before serving if needed.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
14g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Chopped Salad with Grilled Chicken?
It is a fresh and vibrant take on the popular Cheesecake Factory Chopped Salad, featuring romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, avocado, and a variety of crunchy ingredients tossed in a homemade balsamic vinaigrette.
How long does it take to make this salad?
The salad can be tossed together in just under 15 minutes, making it a quick and easy option for lunch or dinner.
What are the main ingredients in the salad base?
The base consists of finely chopped romaine lettuce, diced grilled chicken, Roma tomatoes, avocados, corn, crisp bacon, blue cheese crumbles, and a Granny Smith apple.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
What is the protein content of the Ultimate Chopped Salad?
This recipe provides 12.5 grams of protein per serving.
How do you make the homemade balsamic vinaigrette?
Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, chopped shallot, crushed garlic, sea salt, and black pepper in a small food processor and process until smooth.
What kind of lettuce is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 cups of finely chopped romaine lettuce.
How should the grilled chicken be prepared for the salad?
The chicken breasts should be grilled and then diced into bite-sized pieces.
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either fresh cooked corn kernels or frozen corn that has been thawed.
What type of tomatoes are recommended?
The recipe specifies using 4 Roma tomatoes that have been seeded and diced finely.
Is there fruit in the Ultimate Chopped Salad?
Yes, it includes one chopped Granny Smith apple with the skin left on for added sweetness and crunch.
What kind of cheese is added to the salad?
The recipe includes 3/4 cup of small blue cheese crumbles.
Does this recipe include bacon?
Yes, it calls for 1/2 cup of chopped, crisp-cooked bacon.
What is the fat content per serving?
The salad contains 14 grams of fat per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in the salad?
There are 14 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are a total of 15 ingredients, including the components for the salad and the dressing.
Should the Granny Smith apple be peeled?
No, the recipe suggests leaving the skin on the apple when chopping it.
What type of oil is used for the dressing?
The vinaigrette is made with 1/2 cup of olive oil.
Is garlic used in the dressing recipe?
Yes, one crushed garlic clove is included in the dressing ingredients.
What type of vinegar is used for the vinaigrette?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
Does the dressing contain mustard?
Yes, it includes 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard to help emulsify and flavor the dressing.
How should the avocados be prepared?
Use 2 avocados that have been pitted and chopped.
Can the salad be prepared ahead of time?
The salad can be refrigerated covered for up to an hour before serving to maintain its freshness.
What kind of salt is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, or to taste.
Is shallot included in the dressing?
Yes, the vinaigrette uses 1 tablespoon of chopped shallot.
What type of pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
How should the salad be tossed?
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
Is this salad considered a healthy option?
Yes, the description notes it as a healthy and refreshing meal option packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein.
Which restaurant inspired this recipe?
This recipe is a take on the popular Cheesecake Factory Chopped Salad.
What makes this a 'chopped' salad?
The ingredients, including the lettuce, chicken, and vegetables, are all finely diced or chopped so that every bite contains a mix of all the flavors.