One Dish Salad Supper
A vibrant, hearty salad featuring fresh vegetables, cheese, and flavorful dressing, perfect for casual gatherings or light summer meals that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 head lettuce, torn up
- 1 large tomato, diced ⓘ
- 1 cup apple, diced ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup diced broccoli ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber ⓘ
- 1 bottle Catalina or French dressing ⓘ
- 1 can red kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup diced pepperoni or turkey ⓘ
- 1/4 cup diced onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced carrot ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced celery ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.
- Chill for 2 to 3 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a refreshing twist, try adding diced apples or a handful of nuts for crunch. If you're not a fan of kidney beans, chickpeas or black beans work well as substitutes. You can also use a different type of cheese, like feta or mozzarella, for varied flavor. To keep the salad crisp, add the dressing just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this One Dish Salad Supper as a light main course or a hearty side to grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with Easy Chocolate Mousse Pie for dessert, making it a great option for gatherings. Consider adding crusty bread or pita chips on the side for a more filling meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors continue to meld, but the lettuce may wilt. To revive the salad, add a fresh handful of lettuce and a splash of dressing before serving again. Avoid freezing this dish as the texture may be compromised.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of One Dish Salad Supper contains roughly 424 calories, with 16g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (74% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 750mg per serving (33% 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?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a few hours in advance. Just combine all the ingredients and chill for 2 to 3 hours. However, to maintain the lettuce's crispness, it's best to add the dressing right before serving.
What can I substitute for the Cheddar cheese?
If you're looking to switch up the cheese, feta or mozzarella are great alternatives. For a dairy-free option, consider using nut-based cheese or simply omitting it altogether. The salad will still be delicious with fresh veggies and beans.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is ideal for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat to maintain freshness. Portion out servings in individual containers for a quick and easy meal option throughout the week.
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).