Hi friends,
First, our hearts are utterly broken, and we are fervently praying for everyone displaced and hurting from the Southern California wildfires. Being just a few hours north—and having spent our college years down there together—Ryan and I are watching with shock and deep sorrow. We have friends who have lost homes and businesses, and our hearts ache for them and for all of you. We’re praying for swift containment, a reprieve from the relentless winds, and miraculous rain to bring relief. Please know that your Northern California neighbors understand the devastation of wildfire season all too well, and we stand with you in solidarity.
Danielle
This week’s recipe is one I’ve been making on repeat for Ryan and me for months, and especially now that the kids are back in school—a Not-Quite-A-Sandwich Chopped Board Salad. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for when you don’t feel like dirtying a bunch of bowls.
Everything goes straight onto a big cutting board: romaine, kale, roasted turkey, salami, cucumbers, avocado, and a few crunchy, tangy additions like pickles, pepperoncini, or Trader Joe’s dill pickle kraut (my current favorite). I don’t even mix up the dressing ahead of time—just drizzle some lemon juice, olive oil, a little Dijon, salt, and pepper right on top, and chop it all together. It’s rustic, a little messy, and absolutely delicious.
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This salad has become my answer to those days when I miss sandwiches. It’s not the bread I miss really; it’s the ease, and the mix of textures and flavors. I love adding sprouts, crunchy pepitas, or sprouted sunflower seeds for extra protein and a crunch.
You can use whatever leftovers you have on hand—chicken, salmon, bacon—they’re all great. It’s the perfect way to reset after the holidays, and it’s flexible enough to work with whatever’s in your fridge. You can find the full, printable recipe, along with ideas for substitutions, below. I hope this salad inspires you to pile everything onto a board, grab a big knife, and make something simple and beautiful to start the New Year!
Not-Quite-A-Sandwich Chopped Board Salad
Serves 2
TOOLS
Large Cutting Board
Chef’s Knife
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