Ultimate Chopped Salad with Zucchini and Green Onion 🥗🥒

This vibrant and refreshing chopped salad is the perfect side dish for any meal or a light lunch on its own. Loaded with crunchy vegetables and a zesty dressing, it's an explosion of flavors and textures. The addition of zucchini and green onion gives it a unique twist that is sure to impress your family and friends!

Ingredients

For the salad

• 2 medium zucchinis, diced
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
• 1 cup of red cabbage, finely shredded
• 1/2 cup of green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup of feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the dressing

• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon of honey or agave syrup
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Start by preparing the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.

🥄 A quick tip: For an extra kick, consider adding a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice or a pinch of chili flakes to the dressing!

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced zucchinis, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, red cabbage, green onions, and parsley. Toss until all the vegetables are evenly mixed.

• Drizzle the dressing over the chopped vegetables and toss well to coat everything in that zesty goodness.

• If using, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top and gently mix it in. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

• Serve immediately or let it chill in the fridge for about 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

🧊 If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best enjoyed within 2 days, but the dressing may soften the veggies a bit over time.

Variations

• Vegan: Simply omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative to keep it dairy-free.
• Grain-Loaded: Add cooked quinoa or farro for an added boost of protein and fiber.
• Herb Blend: Feel free to swap out the parsley for other fresh herbs like basil, mint, or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
• Add Protein: Toss in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.

Enjoy this delightful Ultimate Chopped Salad as a refreshing companion to your main dishes, or snack on it all day long for a burst of health and flavor! 🥗✨