Carolyn'S Salad
A vibrant, crunchy salad featuring fresh broccoli, cauliflower, peas, and cheese, dressed with a creamy, slightly sweet mayonnaise-based dressing—perfect for gatherings and potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the broccoli, cauliflower, green onions, peas, celery, and shredded carrot together in a large bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, combine mayonnaise, milk, and sugar until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Adjust the amount of dressing if desired; double the recipe for more dressing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant flavor boost, consider adding some chopped bell peppers or a handful of nuts for crunch. If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can enhance the salad's freshness. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to customize it with seasonal vegetables or leftovers from other dishes.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect as a side dish for grilled meats or as a light lunch on its own. Serve it chilled for a refreshing addition to summer picnics or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with Quick And Easy Apple Cobbler for a delightful meal. Consider serving with crusty bread or crackers to complete the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become slightly watery over time, so give it a good stir before serving. For best results, enjoy it cold, but if you wish to reheat, do so gently in the microwave to avoid wilting the vegetables.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carolyn'S Salad contains roughly 411 calories, with 17g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (188% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (121% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh peas can enhance the flavor and texture of the salad. Just blanch them briefly in boiling water to maintain their bright color and crispness before adding them to the mix.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan alternative, like an avocado-based dressing or cashew cream. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
What can I add to make this salad more filling?
To make this salad more filling, consider adding cooked quinoa or chickpeas for added protein and texture. You can also throw in some diced grilled chicken or tofu for a heartier meal option.
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).