Aunt Will'S Chinese Salad
A vibrant, tangy Chinese salad featuring mixed vegetables in a sweet and sour dressing, perfect for gatherings and light, refreshing meals with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain all canned vegetables and water chestnuts.
- Combine drained vegetables, chopped onion, diced celery, salt, vinegar, and sugar in a large bowl.
- Mix well until sugar dissolves and ingredients are evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a tangier flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil to the dressing. You can substitute the canned vegetables with fresh ones if preferred; just blanch them lightly before adding. To enhance the crunch, try adding some sliced almonds or sunflower seeds. If you want to make this dish vegan, ensure the sugar used is vegan-friendly as some sugars are processed with bone char.
Serving Suggestions
This salad makes a refreshing side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats like teriyaki venison steak or stir-fried dishes. Serve it alongside a main course or as part of a buffet spread. For a complete meal, consider adding some protein, such as grilled chicken or tofu, to make it more filling.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious. If you prefer to serve it warm, gently reheat in a pan over low heat, or you can enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Will'S Chinese Salad contains roughly 279 calories, with 9g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (44% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2349mg per serving (102% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh vegetables! Just make sure to blanch them lightly to maintain their crunch. Fresh options like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots can add a vibrant touch and more nutrition to the salad.
How long should I refrigerate the salad before serving?
It's best to refrigerate the salad for at least 24 hours. This allows the flavors to develop and the vegetables to soak up the dressing, enhancing the overall taste. If you're short on time, aim for a minimum of 2-3 hours.
Is this salad gluten-free?
The salad is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free vinegar. Check the labels on the canned vegetables to ensure no gluten-containing additives are present. This makes it a great option for those following a gluten-free diet.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).