My Favorite Simple Chopped Salad

I bring a lunch to work everyday, and I easily get tired of the same old thing again and again. However, once I started making this simple lunch each week as a part of my meal prep, I started looking forward to it - and even craving it. This is my favorite simple chopped salad.

This healthy salad can be customized however you like. However, the key to all the goodness is in the chopping, and in filling your bowl with lots of different colors and textures. No boring old salads here.

Let's dive into the benefits of a veggie-packed lunch, and how to make this simple chopped salad.

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What are the benefits of eating vegetables?

I think we all know that vegetables are good for our health. In fact, I'd be hard-pressed to find any diet that doesn't promote eating a wide variety of vegetables every day.

Vegetables provide a myriad of important nutrients, and they are also full of fiber. Fiber is important for helping to maintain gut health, control blood sugar levels, maintain a healthy weight, and more. A diet high in fiber is also important in disease prevention as we age.

Can you meal prep chopped salads?

Oh yes you can! That's what I love about this salad.

This nourishing salad stays well in a glass container for up to 4 days as long as your lettuce is dry when you assemble your salad. You can make a big bowl on Sunday, portion it into containers, and you are set with healthy lunches for your week.

Add your additional toppings, such as protein and dressing, the day you eat the salad.

I use this OXO salad chopper and bowl set to get the perfect chop. This is one of my favorite kitchen purchases! At first it seemed like just another thing to store in my kitchen, but once I started using it I realized how helpful it is.

My Favorite Simple Chopped Salad

Here's what you need to whip up this healthy lunch (or dinner!):

Romaine lettuce - I use two romaine hearts. I find romaine holds up well for chopping and it stays fresh longer than other types of lettuce. However, you can use what you like.

Handful of spinach or kale - the more leafy greens the better! Dark green leafy vegetables are rich in vitamins A, C, K and folate.

Shredded red cabbage - rich in vitamin C, vitamin K and fiber. I love the crunch it adds to this salad.

Matchstick carrots - a good source of beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin K1, potassium and antioxidants.

Persian cucumbers - cucumbers have a high water content which helps to promote hydration.

Olives - choose your favorite! Olives are rich in vitamin E and other antioxidants, and are a good source of healthy fat.

Mini sweet peppers - rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants.

Place all ingredients in chopping bowl and chop until desired consistency. Portion into glass containers. Add protein and dressing before eating.

What can I add to my salad to make it a balanced meal?

You'll want to add protein to your salad to make it a balanced meal. Protein will help with satiety and is the perfect balance to the greens and fiber in your salad. Here are some of my favorite additions.

Chicken - rotisserie or other grilled chicken works well.

Chickpeas - full of vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein, this is an easy salad add-on that packs a nutritious punch.

Cheese - choose your favorite! I like fresh or shredded mozzarella cheese.

Deli meat - chopped turkey or salami are my two of my favorites.

Tuna - a scoop of tuna on your chopped salad provides vitamins, minerals, protein and a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids.

What is the best salad dressing to use?

You can use your favorite bottled dressing or a simple oil and vinegar. Read your dressing label carefully, as many have added sugar.

These little cups are nice for packing dressing to-go.

That is my favorite simple chopped salad. It's one of my go-to nutritious lunches that is easy to prep in advance and provides a hefty dose of colorful vegetables.

Give it a try and let me know what you think!

For more healthy eating ideas, check out these easy protein-packed breakfasts.

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