A classic and refreshing creamy vegetable salad, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple side dish. Customize it with your favorite vegetables for a vibrant and satisfying salad.
Ingredients:
- Vegetables:
- 1 cup chopped broccoli florets (small)
- 1 cup chopped cauliflower florets (small)
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced red onion.
- 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed.
- Optional: 1/2 cup sweet corn kernels.
- Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional, adds tang)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill, or 1 teaspoon dried dill.
- Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Paprika
- Crumbled cooked bacon.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash and chop all the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- If you would like your broccoli and cauliflower a little softer, you can quickly blanch them. To do so, bring a pot of water to a boil, add the broccoli and cauliflower for 2 minutes, then drain and immediately place into an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Then drain well.
- Combine the Vegetables:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery, red onion, peas, and optional corn.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (if using), apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and dill.
- Dress the Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and gently mix until all the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This also allows the salad to chill thoroughly.
- Before serving, give the salad another gentle stir.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, paprika, or crumbled bacon, if desired.
- Enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Customize your vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or radishes.
- Lighten it up: Use Greek yogurt or a light mayonnaise to reduce the calorie content.
- Add protein: Add cooked and diced chicken, ham, or hard-boiled eggs for a heartier salad.
- Sweeten it up: Add a touch more sugar or honey for a sweeter salad.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it ahead: This salad can be made a few hours ahead of time.
- For the best texture, add the dressing close to serving time.