"Company'S Comin!" Green Salad
A vibrant, crunchy vegetable salad with creamy Italian dressing, perfect for make-ahead gatherings and suited for those who enjoy fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-prepare dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, broken into small pieces ⓘ
- 2 heads broccoli, broken into small pieces ⓘ
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 1 pint green olives ⓘ
- 1 1/2 pounds red rind cheese, cubed ⓘ
- 2 cucumbers, diced ⓘ
- 10 or 12 green onions, sliced
- 1 stalk celery, sliced
- 1 pint black olives ⓘ
- 6 or 8 carrots, sliced thin ⓘ
- 1 large bottle creamy Italian dressing ⓘ
Instructions
- In a very large salad bowl, mix all ingredients lightly.
- Pour dressing over all; mix lightly again.
- Refrigerate the salad.
- Make ahead for better flavor; it keeps well for several days.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider adding a handful of toasted nuts or seeds. You can substitute the red rind cheese with a low-fat cheese for a lighter option. If you prefer a tangier flavor, add a splash of vinegar to the dressing. This salad also works well with a homemade Lo-Cal Buttermilk Dressing for a healthier twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant salad as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as part of a vegetarian spread. Consider complementing it with Anna Rogers' Homemade Egg Noodles for a satisfying meal that caters to various tastes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld beautifully, so it's great to make ahead. For best results, avoid adding the dressing until you're ready to serve to maintain the vegetables' crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Company'S Comin!" Green Salad contains roughly 758 calories, with 18g protein, 148g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (162% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (111% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1561mg per serving (68% 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?
Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead allows the flavors to meld together more effectively. Prepare the salad a day in advance, but wait to add the dressing until just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.
What can I use instead of creamy Italian dressing?
You can use a homemade vinaigrette or a yogurt-based dressing for a lighter alternative. Adding herbs or spices to your dressing can also enhance the flavor profile of the salad.
Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this salad is perfect for vegetarian diets as it includes a variety of vegetables and cheese. Just ensure that the cheese used is vegetarian-friendly, as some cheeses may contain animal rennet.
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).