Copper Coin Salad
Copper Coin Salad is a vibrant, sweet and tangy vegetable salad with a unique gelatinous dressing, perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel the carrots and slice them into 1/4-inch rings.
- Cook or steam the sliced carrots until tender-crisp; drain and set aside.
- Combine tomato soup, salad oil, sugar, vinegar, salt, dill seed, and black pepper in a saucepan; bring to a boil to dissolve the sugar and seasonings.
- In 1/4 cup of water, dissolve the unflavored gelatin and stir into the hot soup mixture until completely melted.
- In a 2-quart container, combine the cooked carrots, diced green pepper, and diced onion.
- Pour the hot soup mixture over the vegetables; mix well and let stand overnight to set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a refreshing twist, consider adding chopped celery or cucumbers for added crunch. If you want to reduce sugar, you can substitute half of the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup. Ensure the carrots are not overcooked to maintain their crispness. This salad can also be made a day in advance to enhance the flavors. Experiment with your favorite herbs, such as fresh dill or parsley, to customize it further.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Copper Coin Salad chilled as a vibrant side dish at picnics or barbecues. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats like flank steak or serves as a light lunch with crusty bread. For a complete meal, complement it with a refreshing beverage like Snowman's Punch. This salad also makes an excellent addition to a potluck spread or buffet.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Copper Coin Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. If the salad appears watery after refrigeration, simply drain any excess liquid before serving. For best texture, avoid freezing, as the vegetables may become mushy upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Copper Coin Salad contains roughly 375 calories, with 5g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 535mg per serving (23% 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 tomatoes instead of tomato soup?
While fresh tomatoes can be used, the soup provides a concentrated flavor and a thicker consistency that may be hard to replicate. If you prefer fresh, blend canned tomatoes with seasoning for a similar taste. However, you may need to adjust the liquid content and add extra spices to match the original recipe's flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes, this salad can easily be made vegan by using a vegan tomato soup or making your own from scratch. Additionally, ensure that any gelatin used is plant-based, as traditional gelatin is derived from animal products. Agar-agar can be a good substitute for gelatin in vegan recipes.
How can I enhance the flavor of this salad?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding more spices or herbs such as garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. You can also incorporate different colored bell peppers for visual appeal and flavor variety. A splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a delightful kick.
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).