Vegetable Salad Deluxe
A vibrant, creamy vegetable salad featuring broccoli, cauliflower, peas, and cheese, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a refreshing side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 small cauliflower ⓘ
- 1 small broccoli ⓘ
- 8 oz. can diced water chestnuts
- 8 oz. can English peas, drained
- 3 oz. pkg. bacon bits ⓘ
- 8 oz. sour cream ⓘ
- 1 c. mayonnaise
- 1 c. grated cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 small purple onion, chopped ⓘ
- 8 oz. can Shoepeg corn, drained ⓘ
- 1 pkg. Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Dressing Mix ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash and cut broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, and dressing mix together and set aside.
- Add water chestnuts, peas, corn, onion, bacon bits, and cheese to the broccoli and cauliflower.
- Gently mix all ingredients, slowly stirring in the mayonnaise mixture.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve, at least 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley. If you want a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. You can also use other vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, for added color and crunch. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon bits. This salad is a great addition to any gathering, especially those inspired by American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Vegetable Salad Deluxe is a perfect side dish for grilled meats or as part of a potluck spread. It pairs beautifully with Little Smokies Wrapped In Bacon and Hot Baked Buns for a delightful meal. Add some crunchy crackers or pita chips for added texture. Garnish with extra cheese or herbs for a fresh presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier on the second day. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the vegetables may become mushy upon thawing. When ready to enjoy, serve cold without reheating for the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetable Salad Deluxe contains roughly 368 calories, with 12g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 694mg per serving (30% 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 is perfect for make-ahead meals. Prepare it a day in advance and let the flavors develop in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it tightly to maintain freshness. Stir gently before serving to redistribute the ingredients.
What can I substitute for bacon bits?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can use smoked paprika or liquid smoke to add a similar flavor without the meat. Alternatively, consider using roasted chickpeas or sunflower seeds for added crunch and protein.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can enhance the flavor and texture of the salad. Blanch the broccoli and cauliflower briefly to keep them crisp, and use fresh peas instead of canned, if available. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
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).