always try to mix together two to three base ingredients and a secondary ingredient or two that contrasts the base ingredients texturally and flavorwise, along with a couple of flavorful accents The real key to a successful chopped salad is controlling moisture Here’s what happens if you don’t: Undrained vegetables leave a pool of watered-down dressing in the salad bowl Very moist ingredients like tomatoes and cucumbers should be salted in advance and left to drain in a strainer for at least half an hour before being blotted dry CHOPPED SALAD INGREDIENTS INGREDIENT HOW TO PREPARE ROLE IN SALAD Romaine or iceberg lettuce, radicchio, escarole, Belgian endive, or curly endive Wash, dry, and chop into 1-inch pieces Base ingredient Cucumbers Peel, split lengthwise in half, remove the seeds with a Base or secondary ingredient ... Wash, dry, and chop into 1-inch pieces Base ingredient Cucumbers Peel, split lengthwise in half, remove the seeds with a Base or secondary ingredient