Chopped Salad
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026
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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.
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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

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