Make Ahead Oriental Salad
A vibrant make-ahead oriental salad combining crunchy vegetables with a tangy sweet and sour dressing, perfect for gatherings and served chilled for refreshing flavor.
Ingredients
- 17 oz. can tiny green peas ⓘ
- 16 oz. can bean sprouts ⓘ
- 12 oz. can whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 5 oz. can water chestnuts, sliced ⓘ
- 6 oz. can mushrooms
- 4 oz. jar pimento ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 3/4 cup oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water
- 3/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup vinegar ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain canned vegetables well.
- Combine the drained vegetables in a large bowl with the sliced green pepper, onion, and celery.
- Gently stir to mix the vegetables.
- In a separate bowl, combine oil, water, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and stir gently to coat.
- Cover and chill the salad for 24 hours before serving.
- Drain any excess liquid before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider adding fresh vegetables like grated carrots or radishes. You can also substitute the green peas with edamame for a different flavor. If you're looking for a lighter dressing, reduce the oil and sugar, or use a vinaigrette. Make sure to drain the canned vegetables thoroughly to prevent excess liquid in the salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the salad as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or potlucks, where it pairs beautifully with Ham Caribbean. It can also be a colorful addition to a buffet spread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish, and a light dessert like Mint Patties.
Storage & Reheating
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If there's excess liquid after chilling, drain it before serving. This salad is best enjoyed cold, so avoid reheating it. If you have leftovers, they can be used as a filling for wraps or served alongside grilled meats.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Make Ahead Oriental Salad contains roughly 1400 calories, with 8g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 125g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (88% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (37% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2167mg per serving (94% 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 use fresh vegetables instead of canned for this salad?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables such as snap peas, fresh bean sprouts, and corn cut off the cob. Just make sure to blanch or steam them lightly to retain crunch and flavor. Fresh ingredients may enhance the salad's freshness and nutritional value.
How long can I keep this salad in the fridge?
The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, for best flavor and texture, it is recommended to consume it within 1-2 days. Always keep it covered to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing other odors.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Yes, the salad is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the canned vegetables are not packed in any non-vegan sauces. You can also adjust the dressing to your taste by using apple cider vinegar for a tangier flavor.
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).