Chopping spree: sensational salads don't come only from restaurants. Make your own impressive entrees with these four easy recipes

Muscle & Fitness/Hers, April, 2003 by Devin Alexander

RELATED ARTICLE: A CUT ABOVE: TOOLS FOR CHOPPED SALADS

1 Bonjour Battery-Operated Salad Spinner

This battery-operated salad spinner not only spins your salads with ease but also comes with a small basket for spinning herbs and smaller ingredients. $35; www.bonjourproducts.com or 800-2BON-JOUR.

2 Toss & Chop by Silvermark

In a word, awesome. Cuts prep time by at least half and virtually eliminates cleanup. Throw all your ingredients in a bowl and chop to your heart's content for a chopped salad in minutes. For onions or any other strong flavors, chop first to make sure they get chopped finely enough.

We found it difficult to chop using one hand, but got great results by using both hands. Make sure all ingredients are thoroughly washed and dried before chopping. Remove seeds from tomatoes and cucumbers before chopping. $30; www.silvermk.com or 800-231-4114.

3 Cuisinart Food Processor with assorted blades

This is the most powerful food processor we've found. $150 and up; www.cuisinart.com or 800-726-0190.

4 Black & Decker Quick 'N Easy Plus

This high-powered device shoots the food right into your bowl. $41.99; www.householdproductsinc.com or 800-743-8625.

5 Mushroom Xpress by Ontel

Excellent for chopping eggs, olives and mushrooms in seconds. $9.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond, Wal-Mart, www.kitchencollection.com.

6 Large plastic lettuce knife

Only $2.99 and keeps chopped lettuce from turning brown. At Bed Bath & Beyond.