Margaret'S Mixed Vegetable Salad
A vibrant mixed vegetable salad featuring crisp cucumbers, peppers, and onions, coated in a tangy vinegar-sugar dressing, perfect for summer gatherings or light meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat sugar, red wine vinegar, cider vinegar, oil, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves, then set aside to cool.
- Cook frozen mixed vegetables according to package directions and let them cool.
- Add the cooled vegetables to a large bowl with cubed onion, green pepper, and cucumber.
- Pour the vinegar mixture over the vegetables and toss to combine.
- Refrigerate for several hours or overnight before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a touch of sweetness, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the vinegar mixture. If you're short on time, you can substitute fresh vegetables with pre-chopped ones or even use canned vegetables, though the texture will differ. Feel free to customize the salad by incorporating your favorite ingredients, such as shredded carrots or cherry tomatoes, for added color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Mixed Vegetable Salad is perfect as a light lunch or a side dish at barbecues and gatherings. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or sandwiches, such as those found in American recipes. For an added crunch, serve with crispy pita chips or crusty bread on the side. Enjoy this refreshing dish during warmer months for a nutritious boost.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it taste even better the next day. Avoid reheating as this salad is best served cold. If you prefer a fresher taste, you can add a bit of olive oil or lemon juice before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Margaret'S Mixed Vegetable Salad contains roughly 460 calories, with 2g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g 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 frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can enhance the flavor and texture of the salad. Just be sure to blanch them briefly before adding to the salad to maintain a nice crunch. You can use any combination of fresh veggies you enjoy, like bell peppers, zucchini, or even radishes for an extra kick.
How long can I keep the salad in the fridge?
The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's best to consume it within this time frame to enjoy the freshest flavors. If the vegetables start to release too much liquid, just drain some off before serving to maintain the desired consistency.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is ideal for make-ahead meals. In fact, letting it sit in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a good toss before serving, and it’s ready to impress your guests or family.
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).