Grill-Side Garden Salad
A vibrant grill-side garden salad bursting with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy picante dressing, perfect for summer gatherings and light, flavorful meals.
Ingredients
- 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium zucchini, diced ⓘ
- 1 cup frozen whole kernel corn, thawed ⓘ
- 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions with tops
- 1 small ripe avocado, peeled, seeded and coarsely chopped
- 1/3 cup Pace picante sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro or parsley ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. lemon or lime juice ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine tomatoes, zucchini, corn, green onions, and avocado in a large bowl.
- Combine remaining ingredients; mix well to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and gently toss to coat.
- Chill the salad for 3 to 4 hours, occasionally stirring gently.
- Stir gently again before serving and enjoy chilled or at room temperature with additional picante sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding Greek yogurt or sour cream to the dressing. You can substitute fresh herbs like basil or dill for cilantro or parsley if you prefer. If you want to add protein, grilled chicken or chickpeas work well in this salad. To enhance the flavors, let the salad sit longer than 3-4 hours before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with D'S Wedding Punch for a refreshing drink option. For a light lunch, serve it alongside whole-grain pita or crusty bread. This salad is also a great side dish for barbecues.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, you can rehydrate it with a splash of lime juice before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the vegetables will change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grill-Side Garden Salad contains roughly 333 calories, with 13g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (209% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (64% of the Daily Value), and calcium (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 8g 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be prepared a few hours in advance. Just be sure to keep it chilled and give it a gentle stir before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even more delicious.
What can I substitute for the avocado?
If you want to replace avocado, try using diced cucumbers or a handful of mixed greens. Both options will add freshness without compromising the salad's overall flavor.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Yes, this salad is completely vegan as it contains no animal products. It's a great option for those following vegan recipes and can easily be adapted with other vegetables or additional toppings.
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).