Classic Chopped Salad

Name: Classic Chopped Salad
Yield: serves 4
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce hearts (about 2 hearts); 3 plum tomatoes, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups); 1/4 pound sliced ham, cut into 1/4-inch strips; 2 small cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and diced (about 1 1/2 cups); 1 cup diced cooked chicken; 1 avocado, halved, peeled, pitted, and diced; 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (4 ounces); 1/2 cup chopped pimientos

December 9, 2011

When we were traveling around the country shooting episodes of our Food Network show, Road Tasted, we ate lots of fried, barbecued, and sugary food (Hey, it’s a tough job but somebody has to do it). Wherever we were, Bobby would seek out a salad for lunch or dinner to add a little balance to his diet. The night he discovered chopped salad, it was love at first sight. He developed this easy week-night recipe as soon as we were back home. It’s a salad that accommodates almost any ingredient—feel free to add your own personal favorites into the mix.

Recipe notes

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.