Cornucopia Salad – A Fresh and Easy Low-Protein Delight
Cornucopia Salad is a vibrant, no-cook salad that combines a variety of fresh, crunchy ingredients with a creamy, tangy dressing. This colorful and flavorful salad can be made ahead, making it a perfect dish for parties, potlucks, or simply to enjoy with family and friends during the weekend. Inspired by a recipe from Paula’s Home Cooking, this salad is both refreshing and easy to prepare.
Total Time: 3 hours 28 minutes
Prep Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Low-Protein
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
Here’s what you will need to create this simple yet flavorful salad:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Iceberg lettuce | 1 head |
| Green bell pepper | 1/2, chopped |
| Celery | 1/2 stalk |
| Frozen green peas | 1 cup (thawed) |
| Sliced water chestnuts | 1 can (about 8 oz) |
| Bananas | 2, sliced |
| Lemon juice | 1/4 cup |
| Raisins | 3/4 cup |
| Walnuts | 3/4 cup |
| Salted peanuts | 1 cup |
| Cheddar cheese, shredded | 3/4 cup |
| Green onions | 10-12, chopped |
| Bacon | 2 slices, cooked and crumbled |
| Mayonnaise | 1/4 cup |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| White vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 597.4 kcal |
| Total Fat | 36.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 36.9 mg |
| Sodium | 643.2 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 63.2 g |
| Fiber | 7.5 g |
| Sugar | 29.2 g |
| Protein | 10.1 g |
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Cornucopia Salad:
-
Prepare the Salad Layers:
Begin by selecting a large rectangular dish to hold your salad. Layer the ingredients in the order they are listed, stopping after you add the nuts. Start with the chopped iceberg lettuce as the base, followed by the green bell pepper, celery, frozen green peas, water chestnuts, and bananas. These ingredients will form the colorful base of the salad. -
Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, mayonnaise, sugar, and white vinegar. Stir well to mix the dressing ingredients thoroughly. Let the dressing stand for about 5 minutes so the flavors can meld together. -
Spread the Dressing:
Once the dressing is ready, spread it evenly over the entire surface of the salad, making sure to cover the ingredients completely. The dressing will help to bind everything together, adding creaminess and flavor. -
Add the Toppings:
Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and crumbled bacon over the top of the salad. These toppings add a delightful crunch and savory flavor to the dish. -
Refrigerate:
Cover the dish and refrigerate the salad for 3 to 4 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to blend together and the salad to chill to perfection.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetarian Version: You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Nuts: Feel free to experiment with other nuts like almonds or pecans, depending on what you prefer or have on hand.
- Add Some Color: For a pop of color and flavor, consider adding diced red bell peppers or cherry tomatoes.
- Make Ahead: This salad is perfect for preparing in advance. It can be made the night before and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
Cornucopia Salad is a fun, no-cook dish that packs a lot of flavor and texture into every bite. From the crunch of the peanuts and walnuts to the sweetness of the raisins and bananas, every bite offers something different. It’s a versatile salad that can be adjusted to your liking, and the creamy dressing ties everything together beautifully.
Perfect for picnics, BBQs, or holiday gatherings, this salad will surely impress your guests with its unique combination of ingredients. Try it out for your next meal and let us know what you think! We’d love to hear your thoughts and any creative twists you might add to this recipe.
Enjoy this light and refreshing Cornucopia Salad as a perfect side or main dish for your next gathering. It’s quick, easy, and sure to become a favorite!
