Vegan French Chopped Salad is wonderful to enjoy in the Spring and summer months because of all the fresh produce. This tasty salad is fresh herbs mixed with chickpeas, vegan feta, chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red onion and romaine lettuce all tossed with a zesty vinaigrette dressing.
This easy salad is healthy, vibrant and delicious! Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for any meal, our easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress. Add it to your picnics, barbeques, potlucks and gatherings for a wow factor salad!
What you’ll love about this recipe:
- Bursting with fresh flavors
- Vibrant colors.
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy days.
- Versatile and customizable to suit your preferences.
- Nutritious and packed with healthy ingredients.
- Suitable for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and plant-based diets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize the ingredients in the Vegan French Chopped Salad?
Yes, feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. You can add or omit any vegetables, herbs, or protein sources according to your liking.
How long can I store leftovers of this salad in the refrigerator?
Once the salad is dressed it will become soggy over time. Try to eat fresh or store salad and dressing seperate. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Make sure to give it a good toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time and store it separately?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Give it a good shake or stir before using it on the salad.
What are some protein options to add to this salad besides chickpeas?
Besides chickpeas, you can add tofu, tempeh, grilled seitan, quinoa, white beans, lentils, or marinated mushrooms for additional protein.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones in the recipe?
While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you can use dried herbs as a substitute. Just remember to use smaller quantities of dried herbs, as they are more concentrated in flavor.
Can I omit the onions from the salad if I’m not a fan?
Yes, you can omit the onions or replace them with a milder onion variety like green onions.
How can I adjust the dressing to suit my personal taste preferences?
You can adjust the dressing by adding more or less vinegar, mustard, sweetener, or herbs according to your taste preferences. Start with the recommended measurements and taste as you go.
Are there any tips for ensuring the salad stays fresh and crisp when serving it outdoors?
To keep the salad fresh and crisp when serving outdoors, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. Toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy. Additionally, you can pack the salad in a cooler with ice packs to maintain its freshness.
Can I make this salad oil-free?
Yes, you can omit the oil from the dressing and use a different base like tahini, avocado, or yogurt to create a creamy dressing without oil.
Can I make this salad ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is great for meal prep. Simply store the chopped vegetables and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator and assemble the salad just before serving.
Can I serve this salad as a main course?
While this salad is typically served as a side dish, you can definitely enjoy it as a main course for a light lunch or dinner meal.
More Delicious Salad Recipes
- Italian Chopped Salad
- Beet and Mango Salad with Citrus Dressing
- Roasted Peppers and Chickpea Salad with Feta
- Arugula Blueberry and Feta Salad
- Sweet Potato and Kale Salad
- Greek Salad
- Quick White Bean Salad
- Spinach Nectarine Salad
- Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Chickpeas
- Tasty Tabbouleh Salad
Have you tried this recipe? Please remember to rate and comment below!
French Chopped Salad
Print RecipeIngredients
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped or torn
- 1 cup chopped butter lettuce (or a baby lettuce mix) – (optional)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, seeded and diced
- ¼ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 shallot finely diced
- 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas (if canned – drain)
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup chopped fresh tarragon leaves
- ¼ cup chopped fresh chives
- ½ cup vegan feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
For the dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (alternative options: apple cider vinegar, coconut vinegar, lemon juice)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave nectar
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, baby lettuce, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, cooked chickpeas, and chopped fresh herbs.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup or agave nectar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly, right before serving.
- If using vegan feta cheese, sprinkle it over the top of the salad. Serve immediately as a light and refreshing meal or side dish.
Thank you for this recipe. I made this for lunch. Added chopped nuts and croutons to the salad. Delicious and filled me up. I’ll be making this again.
Glad you enjoyed it.