Fresh and Flavorful Chopped Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Containers

Start by gathering two large, leak-proof containers to ensure your salad remains fresh and mess-free. In each container, measure and mix half of the dressing ingredients: 1 tbsp yogurt, 1 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, ½ minced garlic clove, ½ tsp honey, the zest and juice of ½ lemon, and ¼ tsp dried oregano. Whisk the dressing until it’s smooth and well combined.

Next, begin layering the salad ingredients in each container, following this order:

1. Salami: Place 4 slices of salami at the bottom. This layer will provide a robust flavor foundation.
2. Cheese: Add 75g of provolone cheese cubes or 75g mozzarella pearls on top of the salami. The cheese adds creaminess and complements the meat.
3. Olives: Scatter 25g of sliced black olives over the cheese for a salty bite.
4. Cucumber: Layer in the cucumber triangles (from a 10cm chunk of cucumber). Their crunch adds freshness.
5. Cherry Tomatoes: Add 50g of halved or quartered cherry tomatoes next. Their juiciness brightens the mix.
6. Red Onion: Sprinkle in the ½ chopped red onion. The onion adds a sharp, zesty flavor.
7. Bell Pepper: Next, include ½ chopped bell pepper (any color), which adds sweetness and color.
8. Lettuce: Top with 1 chopped Little Gem or ½ Romaine lettuce. The lettuce should be placed last to keep it crisp and fresh.
9. Croutons: Finally, add 25g of croutons (either store-bought or homemade) on top to maintain their crunch until you’re ready to eat.

Once all the ingredients are layered, securely close the containers. Pack them into a cool bag along with an ice pack to keep the salad chilled, which is especially important if you plan to eat it later in the day.

Step 2: Toss and Serve

When you’re ready to dig in, take the containers out of the cool bag. Give each container a vigorous shake to mix the ingredients and evenly coat everything with the creamy dressing. This step is crucial for ensuring that each ingredient is flavored and that the dressing binds the salad together.

After shaking, you can serve the salad directly from the containers or transfer it to a large bowl for sharing. Enjoy your vibrant, delicious salad that’s packed with flavor and texture!