Dede'S Salad
Dede's Salad is a vibrant, chunky mix of tomatoes, olives, peppers, and chilies, perfect for parties or casual gatherings, offering bold flavors and fresh textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a food processor, pulse each ingredient separately.
- Mix all ingredients together with a spoon, leaving the mixture chunky.
- Chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fresher taste, consider using ripe, seasonal tomatoes instead of canned. You can also substitute black olives with green olives for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a spicier kick, add more Tabasco sauce or include diced jalapeños. To make this dish even more filling, you can mix in some canned corn or black beans. This salad is a great way to explore American recipes with a twist.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is best served chilled, making it a refreshing addition to summer barbecues or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with Quick Barbecued Pork Chops and can be enjoyed as a topping for tacos or nachos. For a vegan option, serve it alongside a hearty grain salad or as a dip with tortilla chips.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld and improve over time, so it's perfect for meal prep. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If desired, serve chilled again for a refreshing side dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dede'S Salad contains roughly 86 calories, with 3g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (192% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2620mg per serving (114% 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 can be made a day in advance. Just remember to store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even more delicious when served the next day.
What can I substitute for black olives?
If you don't have black olives on hand, green olives or even diced pickles can be used as substitutes. Each alternative will give the salad a unique flavor, so feel free to experiment based on your taste preferences.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, Dede's Salad is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat products. This makes it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Always check the labels on canned ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
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).