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This chopped salad recipe with chicken and roasted peppers is a perfect, healthy meal option for lunch or dinner! Packed with lean protein from chicken and eggs, it’s not only nutritious but incredibly satisfying. The roasted red peppers add a smoky sweetness that pairs beautifully with the crunchy veggies and feta, making this salad full of flavor and texture while being low-carb and gluten-free.

Why You’ll Love Chopped Salad With Chicken And Roasted Peppers

Full of Flavor: The combination of tender chicken, smoky roasted peppers, and salty feta cheese creates a delicious balance of flavors in every bite.
Healthy and Low-Carb: This salad is packed with lean protein and nutrient-rich vegetables, making it a great option for a low-carb, gluten-free, and healthy meal.
Quick and Easy to Make: Using pre-cooked chicken and jarred roasted peppers makes this recipe incredibly fast to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Perfect for Meal Prep: You can easily prepare this salad in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to avoid soggy lettuce.
Versatile Ingredients: Customize the salad to your liking by adding or swapping your favorite veggies, proteins, or dressings for endless variations.

This chopped salad with chicken and roasted peppers is a perfect main dish salad that can feed a hungry person for lunch or dinner. Chopped chicken breast, eggs and feta cheese add lots of protein, and colorful vegetables with tasty Italian dressing give this salad lots of crunch and flavor. Lean protein, nutritious veggies and no carbs make this salad a very healthy meal – great if you want to lose weight and still enjoy your food!

Ingredients For Chopped Salad With Chicken And Roasted Peppers

Chicken Breast – A lean protein that makes this salad filling and satisfying.
Hard-Boiled Eggs – Adds additional protein and richness to the salad.
Feta Cheese – Crumbled feta brings a salty, tangy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
Roasted Red Peppers – Smoky and slightly sweet, these peppers add a unique depth of flavor.
Tomatoes – Fresh and juicy, tomatoes provide a refreshing contrast to the other ingredients.
Cucumbers – Crisp and hydrating, cucumbers add crunch to the salad.
Lettuce Leaves – A fresh base for the salad, adding a light crunch.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – A healthy fat used in the simple homemade dressing.
Vinegar – Adds a tangy note to the dressing, balancing the flavors.
Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the salad.

For exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Chopped Salad With Chicken And Roasted Peppers

Cutting Board – Essential for chopping all the vegetables, chicken, and eggs.
Knife – A sharp knife will make it easier to cut through the veggies and other ingredients.
Mixing Bowl – Useful for combining the dressing ingredients and tossing the salad.
Measuring Cups and Spoons – To measure out the olive oil, vinegar, and feta cheese for accurate portions.

I love adding roasted red peppers to salads, as they add so much flavor. For some reason, roasted peppers are not commonly used in salads, which makes them an unexpected “secret” ingredient – a unique yummy addition to your salad. I just use the roasted red peppers from the jar for the sake of convenience, but I know that some people roast them themselves in the oven under the broiled or over a gas flame on the stove. To me it just sounds like too much work, plus I love the taste of marinated roasted peppers from the jar, so it’s jarred red peppers for me :)

How To Make Chopped Salad With Chicken And Roasted Peppers

Start by whisking together the olive oil and vinegar in a small bowl to create a simple dressing.
Lay a bed of fresh lettuce on your serving plates.
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the lettuce for a tangy flavor boost.
Add the chopped tomatoes and cucumbers on top of the lettuce for a fresh, crunchy layer.
Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad, and gently toss everything to coat.
Top the salad with chopped roasted red peppers, hard-boiled eggs, and chicken breast for a protein-packed finish.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and your delicious salad is ready to serve!

For the chicken I like to use leftover rotisserie chicken, but of course you can quickly cook the chicken breast on the frying pan just for the salad. I also like to make a bunch of hardboiled eggs at once, to use them for several days in salads and for snacks. This way you have to deal with peeling hardboiled eggs just once!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chopped salad as a light main course for lunch or dinner, especially when you’re looking for a low-carb option.
Pair it with a side of challah bread or garlic cheese toast if you’re not avoiding carbs.
For extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds like sunflower seeds or Pistachio Nuts over the top.
You can also serve this salad alongside a bowl of soup, such as tomato or vegetable, for a more complete meal.
Present the salad in a large, shallow bowl for a beautiful, colorful display.

Tips For Success

Use Fresh Ingredients: To get the best flavor and texture, use fresh vegetables like crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and firm cucumbers. Avoid wilted or overripe produce, as it can affect the overall taste and presentation of the salad.
Prep in Advance: You can prepare some of the ingredients in advance to save time. Hard-boiled eggs, chopped chicken, and even the roasted peppers can be prepped a day ahead and stored in airtight containers in the fridge. Just keep the salad components separate until you’re ready to toss everything together.
Dress the Salad Right Before Serving: To keep the lettuce from getting soggy, wait until just before serving to add the dressing. Toss the salad lightly to ensure everything is evenly coated but not drenched.
Cut Ingredients into Uniform Sizes: Chopping your ingredients into similar-sized pieces ensures that every bite is balanced with chicken, veggies, and cheese. This also helps the salad look neat and appetizing.
Customize the Dressing: Feel free to adjust the dressing to suit your taste. If you prefer a tangier salad, add a bit more vinegar. If you like it richer, add an extra splash of olive oil or even a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Season Generously: Don’t forget to season the salad with salt and pepper. It may seem simple, but proper seasoning can make a huge difference in bringing out the flavors of the ingredients.

Variations And Substitutions

Swap the Protein: If you don’t have chicken on hand, you can use any other cooked protein like turkey, grilled shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option, but grilled or roasted chicken breast also works well.
Try Different Cheeses: Feta is tangy and delicious, but you can switch it up with goat cheese, blue cheese, or even shredded mozzarella for a milder flavor.
Experiment with Greens: While lettuce is the base in this recipe, you can easily swap it out for other leafy greens like spinach, arugula, or mixed salad greens for more variety. Kale or romaine can also add a heartier crunch.
Add Some Crunch: If you love a little extra texture, consider adding crunchy toppings like croutons, roasted nuts, or seeds. Almonds, sunflower seeds, or even crispy bacon bits would make great additions.
Change Up the Dressing: While a simple olive oil and vinegar dressing is classic, you can mix things up by using a balsamic vinaigrette, lemon tahini dressing, or a creamy Caesar dressing to change the flavor profile.
Incorporate Other Veggies: Feel free to get creative with the vegetables! You can add in extras like bell peppers, red onions, or even avocado for added creaminess and flavor.
Make It Spicy: If you like some heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle some hot sauce over the top of the salad.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: If you have leftovers or want to prep this salad in advance, store the components separately. Keep the chopped chicken, roasted peppers, and hard-boiled eggs in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the lettuce and other veggies separately to maintain their freshness and crunch.
Dressing Storage: Store the olive oil and vinegar dressing in a small jar or airtight container. It can last in the fridge for up to a week. Be sure to shake or whisk the dressing before using it again, as the oil and vinegar will naturally separate over time.
Pre-assembled Salad: If you’ve already tossed the salad together with the dressing, it’s best to eat it within a day, as the lettuce can become soggy. For better freshness, keep the dressing separate until just before serving.
Reheating (if needed): This salad is served cold, but if you prefer warm chicken, you can quickly reheat the cooked chicken in the microwave for 30-60 seconds before adding it to the salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Just be sure to store the components separately and wait to add the dressing until right before serving. This will help keep the lettuce and other veggies crisp and fresh. The chicken, eggs, and roasted peppers can be prepped in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I use a different dressing?

Absolutely! This salad pairs well with a variety of dressings. While the recipe calls for a simple olive oil and vinegar dressing, you can try balsamic vinaigrette, ranch, or even a lemon tahini dressing for a different flavor. Feel free to adjust the dressing to suit your taste.

What other vegetables can I add to this salad?

There are plenty of other veggies you can include to make the salad more hearty. Bell peppers, red onions, avocado, or shredded carrots would be great additions. Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables!

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this chopped salad is naturally gluten-free, as all the ingredients are free from gluten. Just be sure that any store-bought dressings or toppings you use are labeled gluten-free if you’re following a strict gluten-free diet.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Yes, to make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and replace it with a plant-based protein. Chickpeas, tofu, or even a mix of beans would work well as substitutes. You could also add extra eggs or cheese for more protein.

Other Easy Chicken Breast Recipes

Aldi Chicken Breast Skewers in the Air Fryer – Fast & Simple: These air fryer chicken skewers are a quick and delicious option for a hassle-free meal, perfect for busy weeknights.

Grilling Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts | Step-by-Step Guide: Learn how to grill juicy, perfectly cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts with this easy step-by-step guide.

Air Fryer Cubed Chicken Breast Recipe: This air fryer recipe delivers tender and flavorful diced chicken breast in just minutes, ideal for salads, bowls, or wraps.

Air Fryer Thin-Cut Chicken Breast Recipe: Thinly sliced chicken breasts cook up quickly and evenly in the air fryer, giving you a juicy and flavorful meal in no time.

Other Easy Pepper Recipes

Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe: These mini peppers filled with creamy, savory cream cheese are a perfect bite-sized appetizer or snack.

Crispy Air Fryer Banana Peppers: Enjoy crispy, golden-brown banana peppers made easily in the air fryer for a tasty and tangy snack or side dish.

How to Cook Bell Peppers in the Microwave: A quick and easy method for cooking bell peppers in the microwave, perfect for adding to your favorite dishes or enjoying on their own.

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Chicken Main Dish Salad With Roasted Red Peppers

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