Vegetable Salad Recipes

Vegetable Salad Recipes

Vegetable Salad Recipes — A nostalgic collection of five vintage vegetable salads from small-town community cookbooks. Includes tangy Carolina Slaw, refreshing Cucumber Yogurt Salad, sweet-and-sour Kraut Salad, herby Marinated Tomatoes, and a retro molded Ashville Salad.

Recipes on this page

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🥬 Carolina Slaw

A sweet-and-tangy vinegar-based slaw with cabbage, onion, and green pepper. Best when made ahead and chilled.

⏱️ Chill Time: At least 4 hours 🍽️ Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

  • 1 head cabbage, shredded
  • 1 medium onion, shredded
  • 1 medium green pepper, shredded
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1 cup vinegar
  • 3/4 cup salad oil
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed
  • 2 teaspoons sugar

Instructions

  1. Mix shredded cabbage, onion, and green pepper with 1/2 cup sugar. Let stand 30 minutes.
  2. Combine remaining ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and boil 3 minutes.
  3. Cool dressing completely, then pour over slaw mixture.
  4. Cover tightly and refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.

🥒 Cucumber Yogurt Salad

Cool and refreshing cucumber salad in a creamy, herbed yogurt dressing. Light and flavorful.

⏱️ Chill Time: 2–3 hours

Ingredients

  • 2 cucumbers
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon freeze-dried chives
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/8 teaspoon dill weed
  • Garlic powder to taste
  • Ground pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Peel cucumbers, cut into quarters lengthwise, and slice thinly.
  2. Sprinkle with salt and refrigerate 2–3 hours.
  3. Mix yogurt with vinegar, chives, turmeric, dill, garlic powder, and pepper. Refrigerate 2–3 hours.
  4. Drain cucumbers well and press out excess moisture.
  5. Combine cucumbers with yogurt dressing and serve chilled.

🥬 Kraut Salad

Tangy sweet sauerkraut salad with crunchy vegetables and a warm spiced dressing.

⏱️ Chill Time: Recommended

Ingredients

  • Sauerkraut, washed and drained
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 sweet pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped

Dressing (Heat Together)

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 1/4 cup vinegar

Instructions

  1. Combine drained sauerkraut, celery, sweet pepper, and onion in a bowl.
  2. Heat sugar, salt, celery seed, oil, and vinegar together until hot.
  3. Pour hot dressing over kraut mixture and mix thoroughly.
  4. Chill before serving.

🍅 Marinated Sliced Tomatoes

Fresh ripe tomatoes marinated in a garlicky herb vinaigrette. Simple and refreshing.

⏱️ Marinate Time: At least 1 hour 🍽️ Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 3 large ripe tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup salad oil or olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
  • 1 tablespoon capers
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Slice tomatoes thickly and arrange slightly overlapping in a shallow dish.
  2. Mix oil, vinegar, parsley, onion, capers, garlic, and salt.
  3. Pour dressing over tomatoes. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour.

🍅 Ashville Salad (Molded Tomato Salad)

A retro molded tomato salad with cream cheese and vegetables. Great for potlucks and make-ahead meals.

🍽️ Servings: 10–12

Ingredients

  • 1 can tomato soup
  • 3 small packages cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion

Instructions

  1. Heat tomato soup and stir in cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Soften gelatin in cold water, then stir into the hot soup mixture.
  3. When slightly cooled, add mayonnaise and chopped vegetables. (Optional: add olives or nuts.)
  4. Pour into a large mold or individual molds and chill until set.

FAQ

Can I make these vegetable salads ahead of time?

Yes. Most improve after chilling for several hours or overnight.

How long do these salads keep in the refrigerator?

Most keep well for 3–4 days when covered. Vinegar-based slaws and kraut salad often last longer.

What’s the best way to prevent watery cucumber salad?

Salt the sliced cucumbers, let them drain for 2–3 hours, then press out excess moisture before mixing.

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