Refreshing Summer Veggie Salad with Crispy Bacon
Beat the heat this summer with this Refreshing Summer Veggie Salad! This delightful alternative to traditional pasta salad is packed with an assortment of fresh, crunchy vegetables, making it a vibrant addition to your picnic or barbecue spread. The combination of crispy bacon and a sweet-tangy dressing enhances the flavors of the veggies, while a restful marination period allows the ingredients to meld beautifully. Perfect for sunny days, this salad is not only nutritious but also a crowd-pleaser, ensuring that everyone at your gathering will be coming back for seconds!
12
Servings
200
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Assorted fresh vegetables
6 cups (cut into bite-sized pieces (such as cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, sweet peppers, onions, etc.))
Bacon
4-5 slices (cooked until crisp and crumbled)
Miracle Whip
1/2 cup (none)
Sugar
1/3 cup (none)
Oil
1/4 cup (none)
Vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine your assorted fresh vegetables, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
2
In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together Miracle Whip, sugar, oil, and vinegar until well combined.
3
Continue to stir the dressing mixture constantly until it comes to a gentle boil. Allow it to boil for around 2-3 minutes, then remove it from heat and let it cool completely.
4
Once cooled, pour the dressing over the mixed vegetables and gently toss until all the vegetables are well coated in the dressing.
5
Cover the mixture and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Just before serving, sprinkle the top of the vegetable salad with the crumbled crispy bacon for a tasty crunch.
7
Serve chilled, and enjoy your refreshing summer salad!
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
20.8g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Refreshing Summer Veggie Salad?
It is a vibrant, crunchy alternative to traditional pasta salad featuring fresh vegetables, a sweet-tangy dressing, and crispy bacon.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
What is the calorie count for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
Which vegetables are recommended for this salad?
You can use an assortment of fresh vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, sweet peppers, and onions.
How much fresh produce do I need in total?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of assorted fresh vegetables cut into bite-sized pieces.
What are the ingredients for the dressing?
The dressing is made from 1/2 cup Miracle Whip, 1/3 cup sugar, 1/4 cup oil, and 1/4 cup vinegar.
How do I prepare the dressing?
Whisk the Miracle Whip, sugar, oil, and vinegar in a saucepan over low heat until combined, then bring to a gentle boil.
How long should the dressing boil?
The dressing should boil for approximately 2 to 3 minutes while stirring constantly.
Can I pour the dressing over the veggies immediately after boiling?
No, you must remove the dressing from the heat and let it cool completely before pouring it over the vegetables.
How long does the salad need to refrigerate?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours, though overnight is preferred for the best flavor meld.
When should I add the bacon?
Sprinkle the crumbled crispy bacon over the top just before serving to maintain its crunch.
How much bacon is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 to 5 slices of bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 12.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 20.8 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this salad provide?
This salad provides 4 grams of protein per serving.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
This salad is served chilled.
What type of vinegar should be used?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of vinegar; typically white vinegar or apple cider vinegar works well for these types of dressings.
Is this recipe suitable for outdoor events?
Yes, it is described as a perfect addition to picnic or barbecue spreads.
How many unique ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients in this recipe.
Does the recipe include fiber or sugar data?
No, the specific fiber and sugar counts are not provided in the nutritional breakdown.
What is the primary texture of this salad?
The salad is characterized by its fresh, crunchy vegetables and a crispy bacon topping.
Can I substitute Miracle Whip for something else?
The recipe specifically calls for Miracle Whip to achieve its signature sweet-tangy flavor profile.
Should the vegetables be cooked?
No, the vegetables should be fresh and raw to provide the desired crunch.
How do I ensure the vegetables are well coated?
After pouring the cooled dressing, gently toss the vegetables until all pieces are evenly covered.
Is it necessary to cover the salad while it's in the fridge?
Yes, you should cover the mixture while it refrigerates for those 4 or more hours.
Is this a good dish to make ahead of time?
Yes, because it requires a long marination period, it is an ideal make-ahead dish.
What category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized as a Salad.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include salad, vegetable salad, cold salad, summer recipes, and picnic foods.
How do I prepare the bacon?
Cook the bacon until it is crisp, then crumble it into small pieces.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
The specific cholesterol value is not provided in the current recipe data.