Best Ever Salad
Best Ever Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines the delicate flavors of fine spaghetti with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, green peppers, and celery. The addition of curry and cream of celery adds a unique twist, making it a perfect side for picnics or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti and let it cool off.
- Add all vegetables and spices.
- Stir in cream of celery soup and if too stiff add a small amount of mayonnaise.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, ensure your spaghetti is cooked al dente before cooling. If you want to enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard. If you don't have cream of celery, cream of mushroom can be a great substitute. For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. This salad is perfect for summer picnics or as a side dish for grilled meats.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is best served chilled, making it a refreshing side for summer barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. For a heartier meal, consider adding chunks of cooked chicken or chickpeas to make it more filling. A side of Onion Dressing could complement it nicely for an added flavor kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To refresh the salad before serving, add a little more mayonnaise or a splash of vinegar to bring back moisture. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the vegetables may become mushy upon thawing. Always give it a good stir before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Ever Salad contains roughly 99 calories, with 2g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1552mg per serving (67% 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge. The flavors will meld together, enhancing the taste. However, if you add mayonnaise, do so right before serving to prevent the pasta from becoming too soggy. A quick stir before serving will help revive its freshness.
What can I substitute for the cream of celery?
If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom or a homemade white sauce for a similar creamy texture. Alternatively, blending cooked celery with cream or milk can mimic the flavor and consistency of cream of celery, making it a great alternative.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly as it primarily consists of vegetables and pasta. As always, double-check any canned ingredients, like the cream of celery, to ensure they meet vegetarian standards. If you're looking for more vegetarian recipes, this salad is a delightful addition to any meatless meal.
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).