Chopped Salad with Creamy Buttermilk Dressing: Looking for a healthy, crunchy, and satisfying salad that’s perfect for any meal? This Chopped Salad with Buttermilk Dressing brings together fresh garden vegetables and a rich, tangy homemade dressing for a dish that’s more than the sum of its parts. Inspired by the Whole Plant Chopped Salad and tested by the Allrecipes Test Kitchen, this salad is quick to prepare, packed with nutrients, and absolutely delicious.
Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or just craving something refreshing, this chopped salad recipe is a winner.
Chopped Salad with Creamy Buttermilk Dressing
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Chopped Salad
- Quick and easy: Takes only 20 minutes to prepare
- Healthy & nutrient-rich: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants
- Creamy homemade dressing: Buttermilk, sour cream, and herbs deliver bold flavor
- Perfect side or light meal: Serve on its own or alongside grilled meats
🥣 Ingredients
For the Buttermilk Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced celery
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
For the Chopped Salad:
- 2 hearts of romaine lettuce, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large cucumber, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup chopped cauliflower florets
- 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 celery stalk with leaves, diced
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- 1½ tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
👨🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the Buttermilk Dressing
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced celery, parsley, dill, Dijon mustard, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-combined.
Tip: You can make the dressing in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to one week. - Toss the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine, cucumber, red bell pepper, cauliflower, carrot, celery, green onions, sunflower seeds, and parsley. Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly. - Serve and Enjoy
Drizzle with the creamy buttermilk dressing just before serving. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Enjoy this refreshing chopped salad on its own or as a colorful side dish.
🥗 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 127
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 4mg
- Sodium: 231mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Vitamin C: 64% DV
- Iron: 9% DV
- Potassium: 12% DV
Based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
📝 Tips for Customization
- Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs for a more filling salad.
- Swap veggies: Use cherry tomatoes, radishes, or snap peas depending on what’s in season.
- Make it vegan: Use plant-based mayo and sour cream alternatives.
💬 Final Thoughts
This easy chopped salad with buttermilk dressing is crisp, creamy, and full of flavor — a go-to recipe for anyone who loves fresh, wholesome ingredients. Serve it at potlucks, family dinners, or prep it ahead for a week of healthy lunches. No matter how you enjoy it, this vibrant salad is sure to impress.
Also Read: Refreshing Tang Pie Recipe – A No-Bake Summer Favorite
