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.