Mother'S Vegetable Salad
Mother's Vegetable Salad is a refreshing and tangy dish featuring a medley of mixed vegetables, combined with a sweet and sour dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings, its vibrant flavors and crunchy texture make it a crowd-pleaser for those seeking a light, flavorful side.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the canned mixed vegetables and place them in a mixing bowl.
- Add chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and chopped celery to the vegetables and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, mix sugar, wine vinegar, and oil until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and stir to combine.
- Refrigerate the salad overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, try adding fresh vegetables like cucumbers or carrots. If you want to reduce sugar, consider using a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup. You can substitute the oil with a flavored olive oil for added taste. Feel free to experiment with herbs such as dill or parsley for extra flavor. This salad can also be made with frozen mixed vegetables if fresh are not available.
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant salad is perfect for picnics or as a side dish for grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with Grape Conserve for a sweet contrast, or you can serve it alongside a protein-rich dish like Meat In Mushroom Sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it with crusty bread or over a bed of greens.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad can last up to 3 days, but the vegetables may become softer over time. If you prefer a fresher taste, serve chilled without reheating. However, if you enjoy it warm, gently heat it in a pan over low heat until just warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mother'S Vegetable Salad contains roughly 813 calories, with 6g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 537mg per serving (23% 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?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh vegetables! Just make sure to blanch or steam them lightly to maintain their crunch. Fresh options like peas, carrots, and corn can enhance the salad's flavor and texture.
How can I make this salad vegan?
This recipe is already vegan as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the sugar you use is vegan-friendly, as some sugars are processed with bone char.
Is it possible to make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is ideal for making ahead! In fact, it tastes even better after marinating overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving.
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).