Copper Penny Salad(Diet Version)
A tangy and colorful salad featuring carrots, onions, and green peppers in a sweet and sour tomato-based dressing. Perfect as a side dish or light lunch, it offers a balance of acidity and sweetness, making it appealing for those seeking a refreshing, vegetable-forward option.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the carrots until tender, then cut into small chunks.
- Combine chopped onions and green peppers in a bowl.
- Bring oil, vinegar, sugar, tomato soup, dry mustard, and salt to a boil.
- Mix the cooked carrots and the onion-pepper mixture into the hot dressing.
- Let the salad set in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Copper Penny Salad, consider using a robust olive oil and a flavored vinegar like apple cider or balsamic. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, substitute honey or agave for the sugar. For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. If tomato soup isn't available, you can use canned diced tomatoes blended until smooth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Copper Penny Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish at summer barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a light main dish alongside crusty bread. For a delightful contrast, serve it alongside a slice of Lemon Jello for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld, improving the taste. If you find the salad too thick after refrigeration, you can stir in a little extra vinegar or oil before serving to loosen it up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Copper Penny Salad(Diet Version) contains roughly 19 calories, with 0g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 489mg per serving (21% 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 is actually better when made ahead! Preparing it a few hours or even a day in advance allows the flavors to develop fully. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
What can I use instead of dry mustard?
If you don't have dry mustard, you can substitute it with prepared mustard. Use about one teaspoon of prepared mustard for every teaspoon of dry mustard. Adjust to taste, as prepared mustard can be more potent.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, the Copper Penny Salad is suitable for vegan diets as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the ingredients, especially the tomato soup, do not contain any animal-derived additives. You can easily find vegan tomato soup at most grocery stores.
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).