Colossal Chopped Salad Questions

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around the Colossal Chopped Salad, with participants sharing their experiences and thoughts on preparing it for a gathering of about 30 people. Questions arise regarding the quantity needed, the best mixing bowl to use, and tips for serving.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, plans to double the recipe for 30 guests and asks if this would be sufficient.
  • Another participant mentions that the salad is already large and suggests that doubling may not be necessary.
  • Several users note that the salad is intended for tasting at demos rather than full meals, implying that a smaller portion may suffice.
  • One participant shares their experience serving the salad to 14 people, indicating that they had leftovers and felt it would be enough for 30 to taste.
  • Another participant expresses concern about running out of food and suggests serving additional items like bread to complement the salad.
  • One participant shares a positive experience from a recent gathering, noting that they had doubled the recipe and received favorable feedback from guests.
  • Some participants discuss variations of the salad, including omitting chicken or adding different dressings and toppings.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on whether to double the recipe, with some participants suggesting it may be too much while others feel it is appropriate for the number of guests. No clear consensus emerges regarding the best approach to serving the salad.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences from various gatherings, highlighting the salad's versatility and the importance of presentation at demos. The discussion reflects a range of opinions on portion sizes and serving methods.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants preparing for similar events or looking for insights on serving large salads may find the shared experiences and suggestions beneficial.

genburk
genburk
Silver Member
Messages
672
I am planning on making this for a party this weekend, and we are expecting about 30 people. I figure if I double the Colossal Chopped Salad, that it would be enough. For the people whom have made this, do you think doubling it would be enough for 30 guests.

Also, do you think I will be able to mix it in the Salad and Berry spinner bowl (double the recipe) or should I mix it in the 8 quart bowl. I don't have any Simple additions to serve it in. I will probably serve it in the Salad Spinner bowl, it presents better than the 8 quart stainless bowl.

Any tips that would be handy for making this recipe? I haven't made it yet, but it looks simple enough.

Thanks in advance.
 
You don't even need to double it--IT IS HUGE ALREADY!!!!!!:eek:
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
I saw that you had said that in an earlier thread, but it says it only serves 16. I thought it might be a tad too little for a demo for 30.
 
It is huge. Remember our demo recipes are for everyone to get a TASTE, not to eat their heart out.

However, this one is easy enough to double, so I would lean towards doing so.

You will need to toss it in the 8 qt bowl if you want it tossed. I usually just layer it in the SA Dots Bowl.
 
This thing is HUGE! I do not see it all fitting in the salad spinner. I served mine in the large SA bowl, and did not have room for the noodles - we served them separately on the side.

I recommend the 8 qt mixing bowl. We had about 14 people at the show I did this far and they all ate and we about half left over. I agree with Kristin I think it will be enough for 30 to taste. Maybe not gorge out eating but we are just suppose to be there for them to try it.
 
DebbieJ said:
It is huge. Remember our demo recipes are for everyone to get a TASTE, not to eat their heart out.

However, this one is easy enough to double, so I would lean towards doing so.

You will need to toss it in the 8 qt bowl if you want it tossed. I usually just layer it in the SA Dots Bowl.
Click to expand...


I KNOW that is what everyone says....but at 99% of my shows, the guests would be sooooo disappointed if they only got a taste. I don't do a banquet - but I do always make sure there is at least a good-sized appetizer serving for everyone.
 
jrstephens said:
This thing is HUGE! I do not see it all fitting in the salad spinner. I served mine in the large SA bowl, and did not have room for the noodles - we served them separately on the side.

I recommend the 8 qt mixing bowl. We had about 14 people at the show I did this far and they all ate and we about half left over. I agree with Kristin I think it will be enough for 30 to taste. Maybe not gorge out eating but we are just suppose to be there for them to try it.
Click to expand...

This is my reccomendation too! I think that this recipe is very large too! If you think that your must make more, then either do just an extra 1/2 of the recipe or serve french bread with it! I also have make a pepper parmesan pull apart bread with it and it's fabuous! I would not make double! And if you do decide to do a little extra, I would just double the veggies not the noodles! YOU WILL HAVE PLENTY OF NOODLES!!! :rolleyes: :eek: :D
Let us know what you decide! And good luck with 30 guests!! Great job!;)

ChefBeckyD said:
I KNOW that is what everyone says....but at 99% of my shows, the guests would be sooooo disappointed if they only got a taste. I don't do a banquet - but I do always make sure there is at least a good-sized appetizer serving for everyone.
Click to expand...

Me too! This is exactly what I do! If I'm going to go to a show, I'd want more than a taste, but I wouldn't expect a buffet either!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
MissChef said:
This is my reccomendation too! I think that this recipe is very large too! If you think that your must make more, then either do just an extra 1/2 of the recipe or serve french bread with it! I also have make a pepper parmesan pull apart bread with it and it's fabuous! I would not make double! And if you do decide to do a little extra, I would just double the veggies not the noodles! YOU WILL HAVE PLENTY OF NOODLES!!! :rolleyes: :eek: :D
Let us know what you decide! And good luck with 30 guests!! Great job!;)



Me too! This is exactly what I do! If I'm going to go to a show, I'd want more than a taste, but I wouldn't expect a buffet either!
Click to expand...

I like the idea of an extra half and just double the veggies. I don't expect guests to feel full, but I think they do like more than a tasting and if it is good, they almost always like to 'taste' just a little bit more.

I actually fear that I would run out of food and them not get to taste any more than I fear them not having enough.

I will post how it goes after the show. It is on June 24th.

Any other tips will be appreciated. Thanks.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
Just thought I would add an update...

Well we had about 16-18 adult guest and about 5 children (@ age 2-9). I happened to have about double everything, so I just doubled it. Everybit of it was gone. They raved about it, loved the color of it, and the ease of making it.

I ended up taking two bottles of dressing. The host wanted ranch, but I had a bottle of Roasted Red Pepper Italian with Parmesan dressing in the cabinet (had it to make cucumber, tomato, onion, and pasta salad) so I took it along. Made the salad then let them top their own salad with their choice of dressing. 3/4 of the Italian dressing is gone, about 1/2 of the ranch.

I will surely make this again, it is a HUGE salad, and I am sure they had more than a tasting, but I was afraid that we wouldn't have enough for the expected 30 guests.

By the way, this was so huge, I was flinging Romaine lettuce everywhere. Thank Goodness, we were outside.
 
Vegetarians, What do you Demo?I am a vegetarian for 15 years. Often the hottest recipes involve the handling of meat. ex. barbecue pork roast in the deep covered baker or the 30 min. chicken. I often do Dessert Shows, what are some other great ideas /recipes that other vegetarian consultants have found successful?

Julie
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
I think you could make this salad without the chicken and it would be fine. It is very colorful, very big, and very easy. Lots of flavor, I had several bites without the chicken and it still tasted great.
 
chefjwr said:
I am a vegetarian for 15 years. Often the hottest recipes involve the handling of meat. ex. barbecue pork roast in the deep covered baker or the 30 min. chicken. I often do Dessert Shows, what are some other great ideas /recipes that other vegetarian consultants have found successful?

Julie
Click to expand...

Are all the people you demo for vegetarians too?
 
I don't have this recipeHi-
I am a new consultant and I am doing a salad show on Friday night. Can someone share this chopped salad recipe with me?
 
It's in the current Season's Best.
 
Great, thanks!
 
I have made the salad for a couple of my shows, because its so universal on how you can present it...it makes a wonderful demo. A lot of people are looking for new salads to take to BBQ or potlucks. You can always add more veggies than what the recipe calls for and the idea of using ANY kind of salad dressing is wonderful. I've done Italian, Cesaer Pamesan, and Ranch....all fabulous. Maybe instead of chicken you can do cumbled bacon???

WAVE 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #17
Bacon sounds really good for this recipe.
 
so was feta cheese and skip the broccoli

I will be making this for our camping trip the 4th we try to pack a light lunch so we don't have to manuever the camper into a fast food parking lot.
I will make it in the large solo cups it is easier to eat and you can put it in the cup holder while eating a sandwich
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Colossal Chopped Salad?

The Colossal Chopped Salad is a popular recipe that features a variety of fresh vegetables, proteins, and dressings, all chopped into bite-sized pieces for a delicious and satisfying meal. It's perfect for gatherings or meal prep, as it can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

How do I make the Colossal Chopped Salad?

To make the Colossal Chopped Salad, start by selecting your favorite vegetables such as lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Add proteins like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or bacon, and toss everything together with your choice of dressing. The Pampered Chef Chopper can be a great tool to quickly chop your ingredients evenly.

Can I prepare the Colossal Chopped Salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the Colossal Chopped Salad in advance. However, it's best to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. You can chop the vegetables and proteins ahead of time and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

What are some variations of the Colossal Chopped Salad?

There are many variations of the Colossal Chopped Salad! You can customize it by adding different proteins like shrimp or tofu, incorporating grains like quinoa or farro, or using seasonal vegetables. You can also experiment with various dressings, such as vinaigrettes, creamy dressings, or even salsas for a twist.

Is the Colossal Chopped Salad healthy?

The Colossal Chopped Salad can be a very healthy option, as it is packed with fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats if you include ingredients like avocado or nuts. By controlling the ingredients and portions, you can make it fit into a balanced diet. Just be mindful of the dressing and any added toppings to keep it nutritious.

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