Salad Provencale
A vibrant, protein-rich salad featuring seasoned meat, rice, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy dressing, perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings with fresh tomato garnishes.
Ingredients
- 3 c. cooked roast beef, pork, ham or poultry, cut in thin strips ⓘ
- 3 c. cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sliced green onions ⓘ
- 1/2 c. mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sour cream ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. seasoned pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. prepared horseradish ⓘ
- 1 tsp. prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 large tomatoes, cut into eighths ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the cooked meat, rice, sliced celery, and sliced green onions in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, blend the mayonnaise, sour cream, seasoned pepper, horseradish, mustard, and salt until smooth.
- Stir the dressing into the rice mixture until well coated.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Arrange on salad greens if desired, garnish with tomato wedges, and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for the sour cream. You can also use quinoa or couscous in place of rice for a different texture. If you prefer a bit of crunch, add some diced bell peppers or cucumbers. Feel free to experiment with different meats or even omit them for a vegetarian option, like in Zucchini Burgers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad on a bed of mixed greens for added freshness. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light soup, making it a perfect light lunch or dinner option. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with Fast Fixin' Swiss Steak or other complementary American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave, but be aware that the texture may change. If serving cold, simply give it a good stir and check the seasoning before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Salad Provencale contains roughly 158 calories, with 6g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (103% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1581mg per serving (69% 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, this salad can be made a day in advance. Just prepare everything and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it taste even better when you serve it.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you prefer not to use mayonnaise, you can substitute it with avocado or a vinaigrette dressing for a healthier option. This will give the salad a different flavor profile while keeping it creamy.
Is there a vegetarian option for this salad?
Absolutely! You can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and adding more vegetables or legumes, such as chickpeas or black beans. This will ensure a hearty salad while keeping it meat-free.
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).