Sail Along Salad
Sail Along Salad is a vibrant, tropical-inspired dish featuring rice, ham, pineapple, and crunchy almonds. Its creamy dressing combines mayonnaise and mustard, perfectly balancing sweet and savory flavors. Ideal for potlucks, picnics, or light lunches, it's a crowd-pleaser with a colorful, refreshing twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place cooked rice in a large bowl.
- Pour pineapple juice into a small bowl and set aside.
- Beat in mayonnaise, prepared mustard, and salt into the pineapple juice.
- Add pineapple chunks, chopped green pepper, sliced green onions, and diced ham to the rice.
- Pour the dressing over the rice mixture and mix well.
- Add shredded Swiss cheese and toss lightly.
- Chill the salad for at least one hour.
- Top with slivered almonds before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise. You can also swap in cooked quinoa for the rice for a different texture and flavor. If you don’t have slivered almonds, walnuts or cashews work well. This salad can be a great side dish for BBQs or as a filling lunch option, similar to other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a versatile dish for summer gatherings. Serve it alongside other favorites like Best Ever Potato Salad or Pork Chops With Potatoes for a complete meal. It's also great on its own for a quick lunch or picnic.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad is best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat. If the salad seems dry after sitting, simply stir in a little extra pineapple juice or mayonnaise before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sail Along Salad contains roughly 161 calories, with 10g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (23% of the Daily Value), protein (20% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1050mg per serving (46% 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 Sail Along Salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. Just prepare it as directed and chill it in the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious when served the next day.
What can I use instead of ham?
If you're looking for a substitute for ham, diced cooked chicken or turkey can work well. For a vegetarian option, you could use chickpeas or additional vegetables like roasted bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
Is there a way to make this salad healthier?
Absolutely! To lighten up the recipe, use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding more chopped veggies such as carrots or celery, enhancing both the nutrition and crunch of the salad.
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).