Great Vegetable Salad
A vibrant and crunchy vegetable salad featuring a mix of canned and fresh vegetables, marinated in a tangy sugar-vinegar dressing. Perfect as a side dish for picnics, barbecues, or casual gatherings, it offers a refreshing combination of flavors and textures that appeals to vegetable lovers and salad enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 1 can French green beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 can tiny garden peas, drained ⓘ
- 1 can bean sprouts, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 head cauliflower, broken into chunks
- 1 jar pimento, drained and sliced ⓘ
- 1 can mushrooms, sliced and drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Mazola oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix oil, vinegar, and sugar until well combined.
- Add the vegetables and sliced pimento to the dressing and stir well.
- Marinate the mixture overnight in the refrigerator.
- Add lemon pepper and celery to the salad.
- Adjust salt to taste.
- If desired, use less oil and add enough water to make half a cup for lighter dressing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a brighter flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the salad. You can substitute any canned vegetables with fresh ones if preferred; just blanch them lightly. If you're looking for a lower-fat option, you can replace half of the Mazola oil with an equal amount of water. This salad is versatile and can be adjusted to your taste, making it a great addition to American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Great Vegetable Salad is perfect as a light lunch or a side dish at dinner. It pairs beautifully with Lemon-Dijon Chicken Breasts or can be served alongside grilled meats for a complete meal. For an added crunch, serve it with toasted nuts or seeds. It's also a fantastic option for potlucks or gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. If you prefer to enjoy it cold, you can serve it straight from the fridge. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the vegetables may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great Vegetable Salad contains roughly 1140 calories, with 7g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 101g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (124% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (62% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 vegetables instead of canned ones?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can enhance the flavor and texture of the salad. Just make sure to blanch or steam them lightly to maintain some crunch. Fresh peas, green beans, and cauliflower work particularly well.
How long can I marinate this salad?
Marinating the salad overnight is ideal for allowing the flavors to develop fully. However, you can marinate it for at least 2 hours if you're short on time. Just keep in mind that the longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this Great Vegetable Salad is perfect for vegan recipes! All the ingredients are plant-based, making it suitable for those following a vegan diet. Just ensure that any added dressing or seasonings you choose are also vegan-friendly.
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).