Green "Make Ahead" Salad
A vibrant, make-ahead green salad featuring fresh lettuce, crunchy vegetables, creamy dressing, and seafood, perfect for entertaining or light summer meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix yogurt and mayonnaise in a bowl.
- Thin the mixture with half and half or milk to desired consistency.
- Layer shredded lettuce in a serving dish.
- Add chopped celery over the lettuce.
- Spread the peas evenly over the celery.
- Spread the yogurt and mayonnaise mixture over the peas.
- Add water chestnuts on top of the dressing.
- Sprinkle sliced green onions over the water chestnuts.
- Sprinkle grated Swiss cheese over the green onions.
- Refrigerate the salad until ready to serve.
- Just before serving, add chopped shrimp or crab on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for regular yogurt and using light mayonnaise. You can also add in other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch. If you want a more robust flavor, consider adding some herbs such as dill or parsley. This salad can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for gatherings or meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
This salad makes a great side for grilled meats or seafood. It pairs beautifully with Great Crab Cakes or Maryland Shrimp Salad for a delicious meal. Serve it alongside crusty bread or crackers for a light lunch or picnic. Adding some fresh fruit on the side can balance the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may lose some crunch, so consider keeping the dressing separate if you plan to store it longer. If the salad appears a bit wilted, a gentle toss before serving can refresh it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green "Make Ahead" Salad contains roughly 305 calories, with 10g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 577mg per serving (25% 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 vegan?
Yes, to make this salad vegan, you can substitute the yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream or vegan mayonnaise. Additionally, choose a vegan cheese option or simply omit the cheese altogether for a refreshing salad that everyone can enjoy.
How long can I keep this salad in the refrigerator?
This salad is best enjoyed within 2 days of preparation. However, the vegetables may start to lose their crunch after the first day. If you want to keep it fresh longer, store the dressing separately and mix just before serving.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! You can add grilled chicken, tofu, or even chickpeas for extra protein. This makes the salad more filling and can enhance its nutritional value. Adjust the dressing quantity accordingly to balance the additional ingredients.
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).