Quick Vegetable Salad
A vibrant, easy-to-make vegetable salad featuring crisp lettuce, sweet peas, and fresh cucumber, topped with Parmesan and mayonnaise, perfect for quick lunches or light dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop lettuce and place it in a salad bowl.
- Chop onion and spread over the lettuce.
- Pour well-drained English peas over the onion.
- Cover the peas with mayonnaise.
- Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese.
- Arrange cucumber slices around the edge of the bowl.
- Chill the salad before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider substituting the lettuce with kale or adding bell peppers. If you're short on time, pre-packaged salad mixes work well. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier twist. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can elevate the flavor, making this salad even more refreshing. Serve it alongside Anzac Biscuits for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a light lunch or dinner. Consider serving it alongside crusty bread or with a side of Tarragon Potatoes for a complete meal. It can also be a great potluck dish, offering a refreshing contrast to heavier items. For a vegetarian option, enjoy it as a standalone dish or with a side of Sugar-Free Rice Pudding for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the crispness of the ingredients, it's best to keep the mayonnaise separate until ready to serve. If you need to rehydrate the salad, add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar before serving to brighten the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Vegetable Salad contains roughly 68 calories, with 6g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% 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 different vegetables in this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes. Just ensure that the vegetables you choose complement the flavors of the peas and dressing.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply replace the mayonnaise with a vegan alternative, such as avocado or a tahini-based dressing. You can also omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based cheese substitute.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time. Just store the components separately to keep everything fresh. Assemble the salad just before serving to prevent sogginess, especially if you're using mayonnaise.
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).