Fresh and Flavorful Chopped Spring Salad Recipe

Spring brings with it a burst of freshness and vibrancy, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a colorful and nutritious salad? This chopped spring salad recipe is a delightful combination of crisp vegetables, hearty chickpeas, savory artichoke hearts, and creamy cheddar cheese, all tossed together in a light and tangy dressing. Whether you're looking for a refreshing side dish or a wholesome meal on its own, this salad is sure to please your taste buds and nourish your body. Let's dive into the recipe!

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 Can chickpeas (drained, rinsed and dried)

• 1 Cup chopped cherry tomatoes

• 1 Can artichoke hearts (roughly chopped)

• 1 zucchini (chopped)

• 1 Scallion (thinly sliced)

• 1/2 Cup parsley (roughly chopped)

• 2 Tbsp mint (roughly chopped)

• 1 Cup cubed cheddar cheese (raw goat milk preferred)

• 1/4 Cup olive oil

• 1 lemon (juiced)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

• Rinse and drain the chickpeas thoroughly. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

• Chop the cherry tomatoes into halves or quarters, depending on your preference.

• Drain the artichoke hearts from the can and roughly chop them into bite-sized pieces.

• Wash the zucchini and chop it into small cubes.

• Thinly slice the scallion, including both the white and green parts.

• Roughly chop the parsley and mint leaves.

• Cube the cheddar cheese into bite-sized pieces.

1. Assemble the Salad:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, chopped artichoke hearts, zucchini, scallions, parsley, mint, and cubed cheddar cheese.

• Gently toss the ingredients together until evenly distributed.

1. Prepare the Dressing:

• You can dress the salad with your favorite vinaigrette or make a simple dressing using olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

• In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper until well combined.

1. Dress the Salad:

• Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture in the bowl.

• Toss the salad gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.

1. Serve and Enjoy:

• Transfer the chopped spring salad to a serving dish or individual plates.

• Garnish with additional mint leaves or parsley if desired.

• Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh flavors of spring!

This chopped spring salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect addition to your meal rotation. Whether you're enjoying it as a light lunch, a side dish at dinner, or bringing it to a potluck or picnic, this salad is sure to impress. Feel free to customize the ingredients based on what's in season or your personal preferences. Here's to a season of fresh, healthy eating!