Chopped farm salad with quinoa and loaded garden greens, radish, cucumber, cabbage, carrot avocado, feta and topped with an easy orange vinaigrette.
There’s nothing quite like catching up with old friends over wine and an assortment of fries. Truffle fries. Sweet potato fries. Baked potato fries. Zucchini fries. Just give me ALL the fries already!
I’m not here to talk about wine or fries today though…at least not yet. But that’s okay because this salad, inspired by the chopped farm salad from Zinburger, makes up for that fact.
In between sips of wine, pestering eagerly questioning my friend, Erin, on life updates (re: possible love interests) and bemoaning over typical problems that every 20-something goes through (#TheStruggleIsReal) I was shoveling down bites of my loaded farm salad. Going to a burger and wine bar you might think that the burger part would be obligatory, but I couldn’t pass up opting for such a loaded and colorful dish. Plus, ordering a salad as a main totally made up for the carb loading that took place 5 minutes earlier….right? Let’s just say yes.
Seriously though, I am happy to recognize that as the years go on, my taste buds continue to mature. At one point in time I would have looked at this salad and picked apart every ingredient that I thought I didn’t like. Now I look at this salad and see texture, flavor, and freshness – all things that my tastes buds and my body craves. Cucumber, radish, carrot, cabbage: crunch factor high, health factor even better.
This salad is easy to throw together, just wash, chop, and toss. Though depending on your method (by hand or with food processor) the chopping may take some time, but it is a labor of love well worth it.
Instead of using a champagne dressing I made an orange vinaigrette instead based off of the lemon one that I use in my bacon and brussels sprout salad. I also just realized that the original Zinburger version also had garbanzo beans, so feel free to add a can of chickpeas to further bulk this out and I promise it will be amazing.
Chopped Farm Salad with Quinoa and Garden Greens
Chopped farm salad with quinoa and loaded garden greens, radish, cucumber, cabbage, carrot avocado, feta and topped with an easy orange vinaigrette. Inspired by the Zinburger Farm Salad.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 bunch romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 bunch red leaf lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 head red cabbage, chopped
- 1 bunch radishes, (about 12), chopped
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 1 avocado, , cubed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
Orange Vinaigrette
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, (120 ml)
- 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange, (125 ml)
- 2 garlic cloves crushed
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small jar with a lid add the oil, orange juice, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper. Cover the jar and shake until combined and then place in the fridge until you're ready to use it.
- In a large bowl, combine the romaine, red lettuce, cabbage, radishes, cucumber, carrots, avocado, tomatoes, quinoa and feta. Toss to combine. Toss with enough dressing to coat and season to taste with a little salt and pepper if necessary. Save the remaining dressing for other salads, or on the side.
Brittany says
I’ve been wanting to use Quinoa because I hear it’s so good for you, but haven’t been sure where to start. Thanks for sharing this easy recipe!
Sarah says
Thank YOU Brittany! I know what you mean – there are a ton of foods that I want to start eating, but I sometimes find it so overwhelming to pick a recipe when they all usually look so good. Hope you like it!
Christine | Vermilion Roots says
I love how colourful and fresh this salad looks. Vegetables are an important part of my diet and I’m always looking for fresh new ideas to enjoy them.
Sarah says
Thank you, Christine!
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile says
I’ve just pinned this! It sounds great!! Thanks so much for a new yummy salad to try. Thanks for linking up with our Fabulous Foodie Fridays party! xx
Sarah says
Thanks, Lucy!
jayne says
this looks so fresh and colourful! great summer salad
Sarah says
Thanks, Jayne!
Manila Spoon (Abby) says
I certainly see a lot of textures, flavors and total deliciousness in this gorgeous salad of yours! I won’t pick put any ingredient as I love them all!
Sarah says
The more texture in salads the better (at least in my opinion!) – thanks Abby!
Dini @ The Flavor Bender says
This looks delicious!! I do love Fries and Comfort food this time of year, but sometimes a Salad hits the right spot!! Especially with that dressing!! I love the combo of Orange and cloves 🙂 So refreshing!
Sarah says
Thanks, Dini!
Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life says
I love chopped salads…and this one looks just about perfect to me! I could see us making this after Thanksgiving when we need to come out of that food coma!
Sarah says
Haha, I know what you mean! This is like my pre and post thanksgiving detox salad. Hope you and your family have a great Thanksgiving!
allie @ Through Her Looking Glass says
Dear Sarah, What a fresh salad and nice, light dressing! Perfect for the weekend after Thanksgiving to assuage my guilt from the Thanksgiving carb overload….love every delicious thing in this salad!
Sarah says
Thanks, Allie! I’m all prepared for the post Thanksgiving carb loading with this salad in mind too. Hope you have a lovely day with your family!