Cold Vegetable Medley Salad
A vibrant, chilled vegetable medley salad combining fresh and canned ingredients with a creamy dressing, perfect for light lunches, picnics, or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. can green peas, drained ⓘ
- 16 oz. can whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 14 oz. can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered ⓘ
- 1 large onion, sliced in thin rings
- 1 medium green pepper, cut into strips ⓘ
- 8 oz. bottle creamy Italian dressing ⓘ
- 1 tomato, cut into wedges ⓘ
- 1 to 2 cups torn lettuce ⓘ
- imitation bacon or crisply fried bacon bits ⓘ
- seasoned croutons ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine drained green peas, drained corn, drained and quartered artichoke hearts, sliced onion, and green pepper in a large bowl.
- Add creamy Italian dressing to the mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Just before serving, stir in tomato wedges and torn lettuce.
- Top the salad with imitation bacon or crispy fried bacon bits and seasoned croutons before serving.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate leftovers for several days.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the creamy Italian dressing with a vinaigrette or a homemade dressing made from olive oil, vinegar, and herbs. You can also add more vegetables like cucumbers or radishes for crunch. If you prefer a protein boost, grilled chicken or chickpeas can be excellent additions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cold Vegetable Medley Salad as a refreshing side dish for summer barbecues, pairing it perfectly with grilled meats like chicken or steak. It's also a great light lunch option on its own. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside ham and pasta bake for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad can be served cold directly from the fridge. If the dressing has made the salad watery, gently toss it before serving again to refresh its flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cold Vegetable Medley Salad contains roughly 475 calories, with 10g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1381mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
* % 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 prepared a few hours in advance. Just be sure to add the tomatoes and lettuce right before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.
What can I use instead of artichoke hearts?
If you prefer, you can substitute artichoke hearts with roasted red peppers or olives for a different flavor profile. Both options add a delicious twist to the salad.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Cold Vegetable Medley Salad is vegetarian-friendly. To keep it vegan, ensure that the dressing is free of dairy and opt for imitation bacon bits that are plant-based.
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).