Skip to main content

Chopped Salad

This vibrant vegan chopped salad is a celebration of fresh textures and bright, zesty flavours. Combining crisp romaine lettuce with crunchy carrots, celery, and cucumber, it offers a satisfying bite that holds up well even when dressed. The addition of juicy tomatoes and salty black olives provides a lovely contrast, all tied together by a simple, homemade white wine and shallot vinaigrette. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a nutritious, plant-based meal that feels substantial without being heavy.

Perfect as a light midweek lunch or a colourful side dish for a summer barbecue, this versatile salad is incredibly easy to prepare. Because the vegetables are finely diced, every mouthful delivers a balanced mix of ingredients. You can easily customise the recipe by switching the olives to suit your preference or adding some chickpeas for extra protein. Served fresh, it remains a reliable favourite for healthy, everyday eating.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Chopped Salad

  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

  • 1 small shallot, minced

  • 80ml olive oil

  • 1 medium head cos, chopped (950 to 1450ml )

  • 1 seedless cucumber, diced (850ml )

  • 575ml grape tomatoes, halved (180g )

  • 1 red pepper, diced (150g )

  • 2 celery stalks, halved lengthwise and finely chopped (130g )

  • 3 carrots, finely chopped (275g )

  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped

  • 240ml pitted black olives, halved (suit yourself whether you prefer the medium California black olives—a 170g can—or Kalamata olives)

How to make Chopped Salad

Whisk together vinegar, sugar, shallot, 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoons pepper in a large bowl, then add oil in a stream, whisking until combined well.

Toss remaining ingredients with dressing.

Season salad with salt and pepper.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.