Summer Garden Salad
A vibrant summer garden salad featuring fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing, perfect for light, refreshing meals or outdoor gatherings with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cabbage ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped zucchini or yellow summer squash ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped cucumber ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions ⓘ
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced radishes or carrots ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dairy sour cream ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped peanuts ⓘ
Instructions
- In a salad bowl, combine shredded cabbage, chopped zucchini or yellow squash, chopped cucumber, chopped green pepper, sliced green onions, and sliced radishes or carrots.
- Chill the salad mixture in the refrigerator.
- In a small bowl, blend mayonnaise or salad dressing, dairy sour cream, lemon juice, prepared horseradish, prepared mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the chilled vegetables.
- Toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle with coarsely chopped peanuts, if desired.
- Garnish with slices of zucchini, cucumber, green pepper, or radishes, if desired.
- Refrigerate leftovers before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a refreshing twist, consider adding diced avocados or cherry tomatoes to the salad. If you prefer a lighter dressing, swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. You can also experiment with different nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, for added texture. To make it vegan, replace dairy sour cream with a plant-based alternative and use vegan mayonnaise. This salad is versatile and perfect for summer gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant Summer Garden Salad as a light main dish or as a refreshing side alongside grilled proteins or sandwiches. It pairs beautifully with Grandma Grace'S Cream Of Tomato Soup for a complete meal. For an added crunch, toss in some crispy bacon bits, or for a vegetarian option, serve with Spinach Ball Appetizers for a delightful mix of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The vegetables will stay crisp, but the dressing may become thicker. If you want to enjoy the salad later, consider adding fresh ingredients like peanuts or greens right before serving to maintain texture. Avoid reheating, as this dish is best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Summer Garden Salad contains roughly 111 calories, with 5g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1242mg per serving (54% 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 the salad a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the freshness of the vegetables. Mix everything together shortly before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of horseradish?
If you don't have horseradish, you can substitute it with a dash of hot sauce or wasabi for a similar kick. Adjust the amount to your taste preference, as these alternatives can vary in spiciness. Mild mustard can also be used for a less intense flavor.
Is this salad suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this Summer Garden Salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. Just ensure that any dressings or additional ingredients you choose are also gluten-free. Enjoy it without worry!
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).