Avocado

Shades of Green Chopped Salad

by:
January 13, 2011
4
9 Ratings
Shades of Green Chopped Salad
Photo by Mark Weinberg
  • Serves 2 to 3
Author Notes

I love combining sweet and savory in salads and that is where the idea for this dish came from. Dried fruits and nuts are a must in most of my salads, I love the texture and crunch they have and the wonderful contrast they give to the freshness of fruits and vegetables. - fortheloveofyum —fortheloveofyum

Test Kitchen Notes

Fast-forward to summer. Admittedly, we're tiptoeing a bit out of season here in the Northeast for this salad, but trust us, it's worth it. Fortheloveofyum has assembled a cool palette of greens -- crisp cucumber, tart Granny Smith, crunchy pistachio, sweet golden raisin, and a sparkly creme fraiche and chive dressing to hold it all together -- all while cleverly sidestepping the distraction of the classic salad green: lettuce. Bites of salty bleu sharpen the focus. We say: let the sun shine. - A&M —The Editors

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • Chive dressing
  • 1 small clove garlic
  • 2 tablespoons Champagne vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon crème fraîche
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon chopped chives
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 pinch sea salt and black pepper, plus more to taste
  • Salad
  • 1 Granny Smith apple, chopped
  • 1 Hass avocado, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 English cucumber, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
  • 1/4 cup golden raisins
  • 1/3 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese, room temperature
  • 1 pinch salt and black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives, for garnish (optional)
Directions
  1. Chive dressing
  2. In a blender, add in the garlic, Champagne vinegar, crème fraîche, honey, chives, salt, and pepper. Blend until combined.
  3. With the blender still on, through the top, stream in the olive oil. Blend until combined. Taste for salt and pepper. Set aside.
  1. Salad
  2. Toss the apple and avocado in the lemon juice so they don't oxidize. Then, combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and toss with the chive dressing. You may not have to use all of the dressing—I don't like mine too wet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with some chopped chives. This salad can be made up to 3 to 4 hours in advance. If you are making the salad in advance add in the room temperature gorgonzola when you serve the salad.
Tags:
Contest Entries

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • rebeck
    rebeck
  • DeirdreMS
    DeirdreMS
  • GourMel
    GourMel
  • kitty.galore.77
    kitty.galore.77
  • ihaventpoisonedyouyet
    ihaventpoisonedyouyet

Popular on Food52

77 Reviews

Ceege
Ceege September 8, 2019
Is there any type of "greens" in this recipe? The pix looks like possibly romaine chopped. It seems that with just the ingredients listed, there is not enough body to this salad.
 
Ascender
Ascender April 30, 2022
I might add a handful of fresh soft herbs. Sorrel would be nice.
 
Juliette
Juliette September 1, 2019
My family loved this salad and they are all not salad lovers. In the photo I saw chopped lettuce, but I didn't see it in the ingredient list, but I added it anyway. I will definitely make it again!
 
Ceege
Ceege April 21, 2017
I saved this in my salad folder to hopefully use very soon. There seems to be something missing from the ingredient list. Looking at the picture it appears to have chopped romaine lettuce as part of the salad. Without the lettuce it doesn't seem to have much bulk, other than apples, avocado and nuts. Can someone please advise me as to whether I should make as stated or should I add some type of "greens".
 
Anne
Anne April 7, 2021
I have gone through the reviews and replies, but nothing as to the greens in the salad. Looks like romaine to me. I know these reviews are older, but it would be great to know what the author used. Thank you.
 
rebeck
rebeck November 25, 2016
Added little gems and pomegranate to mine. Subtracted the cuke. It was a huge hit.
 
Brittany
Brittany November 21, 2016
Hi there - this sounds delicious but I'm confused by the photo. In the picture I see what looks like lettuce and dill, not mentioned in the recipe. Are these recommended additions? If so, what kind and how much? Thanks!
 
Linda K.
Linda K. April 22, 2017
Do you also see radish?
 
Sinamen78
Sinamen78 November 3, 2018
Looks like kalamatas too? Maybe wrong picture for this recipe?
 
DeirdreMS
DeirdreMS November 16, 2016
Any ideas for alternatives to gorgonzola cheese as husband cant handle it.
 
drbabs
drbabs November 16, 2016
My husband doesn't eat gorgonzola either. I've used very sharp cheddar and smoked cheddar, which I've cut into tiny cubes. I love this salad--it's one of my potluck go-to's. Have fun.
 
DeirdreMS
DeirdreMS November 16, 2016
Thanks!
 
Ninaw2000
Ninaw2000 November 16, 2016
You could also try feta!
 
Sinamen78
Sinamen78 December 30, 2020
Feta ?
 
Becky W.
Becky W. April 8, 2022
Crumbled feta?
 
Mary
Mary August 1, 2016
This recipe sounds great but the inclusion of green raisins really irks me. They are not for sale in any store near me (Bend, OR) and a Google search told me they are chiefly imported from Iran and China. They can be bought online but are quite expensive plus shipping. Is it really necessary to include ingredients that aren't readily available? How about suggesting a substitute or stating that the recipe doesn't work well without that ingredient?
 
drbabs
drbabs August 1, 2016
Hi Mary. I make this all the time. It's quite adaptable. I use golden raisins when I have them. I've also used regular raisins, dried cranberries, dried cherries, and chopped up dried apricots. Really, you can use any dried fruit, or leave it out. The recipe will still be delicious.
 
nicole R.
nicole R. March 12, 2016
Delish! Served as starter course for my pork enchiladas verdes. So much flavor. The only change I made was to use Craisins instead of golden raisins. I liked the dash of color.
 
GourMel
GourMel August 26, 2014
Whipped this up this morning for lunch. I just ate it and felt compelled to write about how amazingly delicious this was. I subbed the champagne vinegar for apple cider vinegar, creme fraiche for greek yogurt and raisins for dried cranberries. Definitely a repeat!
 
Karen
Karen August 21, 2013
Made this tonight. It's chilling a bit before dinner. I can't wait to pull it out and wow my family!
 
kitty.galore.77
kitty.galore.77 July 4, 2013
This was just stunning. I didn't even use the dressing, the avocado seemed to coat everything nicely, just topped lightly with the chives and was beyond pleased both aesthetically and on the palate. Thank you for this!
 
Ninaw2000
Ninaw2000 April 2, 2013
This is the best and easy salad recipe for the big or small crowd. I tried this recipe came out delicious.
 
Susige
Susige April 2, 2013
I don't know what I was missing until today when I found this recipe. I made it for a quick lunch as I had all the ingredients in my fridge/pantry except for the raisins - instead I subbed Craisins. This will be on the menu for my next dinner party!
 
fydnic
fydnic August 3, 2012
Is there a ready made dressing I could use? I don't think I can find all of the ingredients where I live. Thanks!
 
Becky W.
Becky W. April 8, 2022
I often just zest a large lemon and ream out all the juice, a little dash of olive oil, dash of fresh ground pepper. Light and fresh!
 
ihaventpoisonedyouyet
ihaventpoisonedyouyet August 3, 2012
There is no way this could have been better! It was so easy to make, I had all the ingredients on hand (how often does that happen?) and it looks beautiful. Can't wait to make this again. Great for the summer.
 
Kimerooch11
Kimerooch11 July 16, 2012
Fantastic salad, although my 4 year old did not approve... :). Tthat just means it was really good, however. Will keep this one handy for future reference.
 
Wonderland K.
Wonderland K. May 11, 2012
This is fantastic. I served it on a bed of arugula--a hit! Will be saving this one.
 
betty888
betty888 April 29, 2012
I made this for a tapas party this weekend. I served a lot of rich foods (cheese! garlic! olive oil galore!) and wanted something fresh and green to cut the richness. This fit the bill. Strange how all of this just works so well together! Very delicious and creative. Super easy to make too.
 
Synky
Synky April 5, 2012
Great salad! Made it tonight and will definitely be making it again very soon. Very smooth taste - mild but flavorful. Four year old approved. Lovely!
 
Carmen C.
Carmen C. January 11, 2012
1 teaspoon sour cream
1/2tea whipping cream plus 1/2 teaspoon buttermilk or yogurt
1/2 teas whipping cream plus 1/2 tea sour cream
1 tea mascarpone cheese

 
AntoniaJames
AntoniaJames October 12, 2011
Really love this recipe. Am making it again tonight, with walnuts instead of pistachios because that's what I happen to have on hand. It's a lovely choice for fall! (I use Honeycrisps, by the way, when I can get them.) ;o)
 
fortheloveofyum
fortheloveofyum October 12, 2011
I love honeycrisps! Picked a bunch at an orchard over the weekend! So glad this recipe has worked out for you. :)
 
momcooks
momcooks April 24, 2011
Wonderful! I've made this so many times... a salad is truly perfect (according to my husband) if it contains no lettuce!
Today the chive dressing was the accompaniment to blanched asparagus at an Easter buffet. Truly perfect.
 
fortheloveofyum
fortheloveofyum April 24, 2011
Thanks so much! I'm so glad your family enjoys this salad. I love your idea of using the dressing with asparagus! :)
 
CozyDelicious
CozyDelicious March 19, 2011
I made this dressing last night and it is awesome! Perfect on a simple green salad as well this pretty chopped salad. Yum!
 
fortheloveofyum
fortheloveofyum March 20, 2011
aww thanks! I'm so glad you enjoyed it :)
 
Spork
Spork January 26, 2011
This salad is amazing! I had to substitute for the chives since mine had gone moldy/squishy, used some green onion tops instead, but it was still sooo good! Husband even had seconds =). Next time I will definitely check the state of my chives before making and will use a firmer avocado since it pretty much dissolved into the dressing when I mixed everything together.
 
fortheloveofyum
fortheloveofyum January 26, 2011
I am so glad you and your husband liked the salad! Hope you continue you to make it. :)
 
fortheloveofyum
fortheloveofyum January 26, 2011
sorry for my typo *hope you continue to ...
 
hajira_baig
hajira_baig January 24, 2011
so proud of u nadia.... u have all our votes... aamir hajira and all the little army of 3........... wish u best of luck... u know i love ur food and this one looks sooooooooo heavenly. Aamir is a fan of ur salads and wants me to make it but u know me my salads are like urs ever..... U ROCK hehehe (sheen said that)
 
fortheloveofyum
fortheloveofyum January 24, 2011
awww thanks, Hajira!
 
Ninaw2000
Ninaw2000 January 21, 2011
Looks delicious!!!
 
fortheloveofyum
fortheloveofyum January 23, 2011
thank you!
 
LawyerLovesLunch
LawyerLovesLunch January 21, 2011
This salad looks delicious! You know you have my vote, Nadia! :)
 
fortheloveofyum
fortheloveofyum January 21, 2011
Thank you so much, Azmina!
 
Waverly
Waverly January 21, 2011
Looks and sounds delicious. Congratulations on being a finalist.
 
fortheloveofyum
fortheloveofyum January 21, 2011
thank you for your kind words, waverly!
 
onetribegourmet
onetribegourmet January 20, 2011
Beautiful Salad! just voted! :)) good luck sweetie!
 
fortheloveofyum
fortheloveofyum January 20, 2011
thank you, sara. you're a sweetheart!
 
drbabs
drbabs January 20, 2011
Congratulations on being a finalist--great recipe!!
 
fortheloveofyum
fortheloveofyum January 20, 2011
thanks so much, drbabs!
 
wanderash
wanderash January 20, 2011
Congratulations on being a fellow finalist! Isn't it exciting!! I am going to make your salad this week-- it looks divine! Good luck! Ashley
 
fortheloveofyum
fortheloveofyum January 20, 2011
:) hope you like it!
 
Midge
Midge January 20, 2011
Sounds fabulous. Congrats!
 
SinfullySpicy
SinfullySpicy January 20, 2011
O wow..congrats Nadia..I love your recipe..Avocado & apples combo is creative & genius!
 
fortheloveofyum
fortheloveofyum January 20, 2011
thank you so much tanvi! i'm glad you like it :)
 
kulsum K.
kulsum K. January 20, 2011
OMG Nadia u knw how happy it makes me that u r finalist :) Congrats. And I make sure I have sweet and crunch in all the salads I make and this certainly what I would love.
 
fortheloveofyum
fortheloveofyum January 20, 2011
thank you, Kulsoom. That's so sweet of you, yaar. :) Glad you like it!
 
healthierkitchen
healthierkitchen January 20, 2011
Sounds delicious - congratulations!
 
fortheloveofyum
fortheloveofyum January 20, 2011
Thanks so much, healthierkitchen :)
 
mrslarkin
mrslarkin January 20, 2011
This sounds really yummy! Congrats on the EP and on being a finalist!!
 
fortheloveofyum
fortheloveofyum January 20, 2011
Thanks very much mrslarkin! :)
 
shayma
shayma January 20, 2011
beautiful- you have my vote, m'dear!
 
fortheloveofyum
fortheloveofyum January 20, 2011
thanks so much, shayma xoxo
 
gingerroot
gingerroot January 20, 2011
Yum...what a great mix of ingredients and textures. Congrats on being a finalist!
 
fortheloveofyum
fortheloveofyum January 20, 2011
hope you try out the recipe. thanks for your kind words!
 
TheWimpyVegetarian
TheWimpyVegetarian January 20, 2011
Congrats!! I love the combination of flavors and textures. And the chive dressing looks really great!!
 
fortheloveofyum
fortheloveofyum January 20, 2011
Thanks so much, ChezSuzanne! I'm all about different flavors and crunch in my salads :)
 
vegetarianirvana
vegetarianirvana January 20, 2011
Congrats, I had a good feeling about this one.
 
fortheloveofyum
fortheloveofyum January 20, 2011
awww thanks so much for the good "vibes." :)
 
Kayb
Kayb January 20, 2011
Apples. Cucumbers. Avocados. Chives. What's not to love? Can't wait to try this! Congrats!
 
fortheloveofyum
fortheloveofyum January 20, 2011
a salad seems naked to me w/o avocados and nuts :) thanks for your kind words, kayb! :)
 
lastnightsdinner
lastnightsdinner January 20, 2011
I had this open in a window to leave a comment and hadn't gotten to it yet. Now boom - you're a finalist - congrats!
 
fortheloveofyum
fortheloveofyum January 20, 2011
thanks! oh wow, maybe you had a premonition, hehe. :)
 
AntoniaJames
AntoniaJames January 18, 2011
Love this! The avocado is genius. Another great recipe. Keep them coming!! ;o)
 
fortheloveofyum
fortheloveofyum January 18, 2011
Thanks so much! So glad you liked the recipe! :)