Penny Carrot Salad
A vibrant carrot salad with a tangy tomato-based dressing, complemented by onions and green peppers. Perfect for light lunches or side dishes at gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook carrots until tender.
- Drain and cool in ice water.
- Add diced onion and green pepper to the carrots.
- In a separate bowl, mix tomato soup, salad oil, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and salt until well blended.
- Pour the dressing over the carrot mixture.
- Mix thoroughly and marinate for one day.
- Keep refrigerated until serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the dressing. If you prefer a tangier taste, you can use apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar. Feel free to substitute the green pepper with diced celery for a different crunch. To save time, you can use pre-cut carrots. This salad can be a great side dish for Zesty Roasted Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is best served chilled and can be a refreshing addition to any summer meal. Pair it with grilled meats or serve it alongside a hearty sandwich. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of Oatmeal Cookie Bar for dessert. It also works well as a potluck dish or picnic item.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Penny Carrot Salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. If the salad seems dry upon serving, you can add a splash of vinegar or a drizzle of salad oil to refresh the flavors. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the carrots may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Penny Carrot Salad contains roughly 361 calories, with 3g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. 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 other vegetables in this salad?
Absolutely! You can customize the salad by adding ingredients like diced cucumbers, grated zucchini, or even chopped apples for a touch of sweetness. Just ensure that the additional veggies are compatible in texture and flavor with the carrots.
How long should I marinate the salad?
Marinating the salad for one day enhances the flavors significantly, allowing the dressing to infuse into the carrots and vegetables. However, if you're short on time, marinating for at least 2-3 hours can still provide a delicious taste.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this Penny Carrot Salad is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. The dressing relies on plant-based ingredients, making it a perfect choice for those following vegan recipes. Just double-check the tomato soup label to ensure it meets your dietary preferences.
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).