Got a fridge overflowing with odds and ends? Introducing Jools’ Chopped Salad, the ultimate recipe for the resourceful home cook! This vibrant and versatile dish is a champion at transforming leftover vegetables, cooked meats, or even cheese into a delightful and healthy meal. Inspired by Jamie Oliver’s creation, Jools’ Chopped Salad embraces the “everything but the kitchen sink” mentality. Simply chop up any leftover ingredients you have on hand, from carrots and celery to cooked chicken or crumbled feta. In minutes, you’ll have a refreshing and customizable salad that utilizes leftover bits and bobs, saving money and reducing food waste. So ditch the despair of forgotten ingredients and embrace the joy of Jools’ Chopped Salad – a delicious and easy way to turn leftovers into a culinary masterpiece!

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 20 minutes

Check out this range of salad choppers by clicking here.

Jools’ Chopped Salad Recipe

Jools’ Chopped Salad Recipe Ingredients:

This vibrant and refreshing Jools’ Chopped Salad is a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Vegetables: The foundation of the salad! You’ll need a mix of colorful and flavorful vegetables.

  • Carrots (around 6, mixed colors for visual appeal if possible)
  • Celery (2 sticks)
  • Cherry tomatoes (around a handful, mixed colors for visual appeal if possible)
  • Little Gem Lettuce (2 heads)

• Optional Additions:

  • Broccoli florets (finely chopped)
  • Red or white cabbage (shredded)
  • Cucumber (sliced)
  • Bell peppers (chopped) – any color combination you like

• Cheese (Optional):

  • Feta cheese (around 100 grams, crumbled) adds a salty and creamy element.

• Fresh Herbs:

  • Mint (a few sprigs) adds a refreshing and vibrant touch.

• For the Dressing:

  • Dijon mustard (1 heaped teaspoon)
  • Balsamic vinegar (1 tablespoon)
  • Extra virgin olive oil (3 tablespoons)
  • Sea salt and black pepper (to taste)

Remember: This recipe is a guide! Feel free to adapt it based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables and flavor combinations.

Jools’ Chopped Salad Instructions:

Transforming fresh vegetables into a delightful and refreshing Jools’ Chopped Salad is a breeze! Follow these steps for a quick and flavorful salad:

1. Prep the Vegetables: Wash and dry all the vegetables. Finely chop the carrots, celery, and cherry tomatoes. If using any optional vegetables like broccoli florets, red cabbage, cucumber, or bell peppers, chop them finely as well. Separate the leaves of the little gem lettuce and tear them into bite-sized pieces.

2. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped vegetables and lettuce leaves.

3. Optional Cheese Crumbles: If using feta cheese, crumble it over the salad.

4. Fresh Herb Time: Pick the mint leaves and either finely chop them or tear them into small pieces. Add the mint to the salad for a burst of freshness.

5. Make the Dressing: In a separate jar or small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Dress the Salad (Optional): You can dress the salad in two ways:

   • For a classic approach: Pour the dressing directly over the salad and toss to coat everything evenly.
   • For a layered approach: Leave the salad undressed and serve the dressing on the side. This allows people to control the amount of dressing they add.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Jools’ Chopped Salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy the vibrant colors, refreshing flavors, and delightful textures of this simple yet satisfying salad!

Jools’ Chopped Salad Serving Suggestions:

Jools’ Chopped Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Light Lunch: This salad is perfect on its own for a light and refreshing lunch.
• Hearty Side Dish: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a more substantial meal.
• Part of a Summer Spread: This salad is a colorful and flavorful addition to a summer potluck or barbecue.
• Packed Lunch Option: The chopped ingredients hold up well, making it a great choice for packing in a lunchbox.

With its focus on fresh ingredients, simple preparation, and versatility, Jools’ Chopped Salad is a perfect addition to your healthy and delicious meal repertoire!

Why Jools’ Chopped Salad Isn’t the Best Leftover Recipe:

While delicious when fresh, Jools’ Chopped Salad isn’t the ideal leftover recipe. Here’s why:

• Wilted Greens: Lettuce and other leafy greens tend to wilt and lose their crispness upon storing overnight.
• Soggy Ingredients: Dressed salad can become soggy as the dressing sits on the vegetables over time.
• Loss of Freshness: The vibrant colors and flavors of fresh vegetables can diminish slightly after sitting in the refrigerator.

While leftovers can be saved in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day, the taste and texture won’t be quite the same as the freshly made salad.

However, there are a few ways to salvage leftover Jools’ Chopped Salad:

• Separate Storage: Store the dressing and salad components separately. This helps prevent the greens from getting soggy.
• Repurpose Leftovers: Get creative! Leftover chopped vegetables can be used in omelets, wraps, or sandwiches. Leftover dressing can be used as a marinade or dipping sauce.

For the best experience, it’s recommended to enjoy Jools’ Chopped Salad fresh!

Take a look at more recipes to reduce food waste here.