Mixed Garden Salad
A vibrant mixed garden salad featuring crisp vegetables and a tangy homemade dressing, perfect for light lunches or as a refreshing side dish for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the canned vegetables and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, Wesson oil, pepper, vinegar, salt, and juice off beans to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the drained vegetables and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for several hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fresher taste, consider using homemade dressing by substituting Wesson oil with olive oil and adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley. You can also swap the canned vegetables for fresh ones when in season. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add more sugar or include diced fruits such as apples or grapes.
Serving Suggestions
This Mixed Garden Salad is perfect as a side dish for summer barbecues or alongside grilled chicken. It pairs beautifully with Tasty French Dressing for an extra kick. For a complete meal, serve it with crusty bread or alongside a light pasta dish. It's also a great addition to picnics or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, enhancing the taste. Avoid freezing, as the vegetables may become mushy upon thawing. Serve cold, but if you prefer, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mixed Garden Salad contains roughly 297 calories, with 14g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (92% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (84% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2434mg per serving (106% 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a few hours or even a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated until you're ready to serve.
What can I substitute for the canned vegetables?
You can use fresh vegetables like steamed green beans, frozen peas, or fresh corn off the cob. If using fresh, adjust the cooking time accordingly and ensure they are tender yet crisp.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this Mixed Garden Salad is completely vegan-friendly! All ingredients used are plant-based, making it a great option for those following a vegan lifestyle or looking for healthy, plant-based recipes.
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).