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McCarthy Chopped Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 107 reviews

McCarthy Chopped Salad is a vibrant, protein-packed salad featuring a variety of fresh and roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, and a zesty homemade dressing. This salad combines crunchy romaine, sweet baby cherry tomatoes, earthy red beets, creamy avocado, and crispy bacon, dressed with a tangy lemon-garlic vinaigrette for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

  • 2 cups romaine, chopped
  • ½ cup grilled chicken, diced
  • ¼ cup baby cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup red beets, diced (pre-roasted)
  • ½ cup cucumbers, diced
  • ½ cup chickpeas
  • ¼ cup bacon, diced
  • ¼ cup sharp cheddar cheese, diced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

For the Dressing:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, roasted
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients: Chop the romaine lettuce finely and place it in a large mixing bowl. Dice the grilled chicken breast and add it to the bowl. Halve the baby cherry tomatoes, dice the pre-roasted red beets, cucumbers, and avocado, and add all to the bowl. Rinse and drain the chickpeas then add them in. Add the diced bacon and sharp cheddar cheese last.
  2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh lemon juice. Crush or finely mince the roasted garlic clove and whisk it into the dressing. Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, whisking until the dressing emulsifies and blends well.
  3. Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together to ensure all components are evenly coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  4. Serve: Transfer the tossed salad to serving bowls or a large platter. The salad is best enjoyed immediately to preserve the freshness and crispness of the ingredients. Optionally, garnish with extra chopped herbs or a lemon wedge.

Notes

  • You can use pre-roasted beets to save time and add convenience.
  • Roasting the garlic before adding to the dressing mellows its sharpness and enhances flavor.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the grilled chicken and bacon and consider adding extra chickpeas or a plant-based protein.
  • Use kosher salt for better seasoning control and flavor enhancement.
  • This salad is ideal for lunch or a light dinner and can be customized with seasonal vegetables.

Find it online: https://amandafood.com/mccarthy-chopped-salad-recipe/