The Filipino vegetable salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that captures the vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients of the Philippines. Perfect for warm days or as a healthy side dish, this salad combines crisp vegetables with a creamy, slightly sweet dressing that balances tang and richness.
It’s a beautiful way to enjoy fresh produce and introduce a bit of Filipino flair to your table. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress your family and friends with its colorful presentation and irresistible taste.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the best Filipino vegetable salad recipe, sharing tips, variations, and nutritional benefits. Plus, if you love vegetarian dishes, you might want to check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for more inspiration!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Filipino vegetable salad is not just nutritious but also incredibly versatile. It’s a perfect blend of crunchy vegetables, creamy dressing, and a hint of sweetness that makes every bite a delight.
Made with simple ingredients often found in Filipino kitchens, this salad is easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
It’s a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, family gatherings, or even as a light lunch. The salad is naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan by swapping out the mayonnaise for a dairy-free alternative.
Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in more veggies into your diet without compromising on taste.
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup green beans, blanched and sliced
- 1 cup cooked corn kernels
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup pineapple tidbits (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup all-purpose cream (or vegan cream alternative)
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayonnaise)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional for non-vegan)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Vegetable peeler
- Knife and cutting board
- Colander (for blanching green beans)
- Serving bowl or platter
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables. Peel and grate the carrots using a vegetable peeler or grater. Slice the blanched green beans into 1-inch pieces. Dice the red bell pepper and cucumber into small cubes. Drain the pineapple tidbits if using canned.
- Blanch the green beans. Bring a pot of water to a boil and quickly blanch the green beans for 1-2 minutes until they’re bright green and slightly tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Mix the dressing. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose cream, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and the sugar has dissolved. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Combine all ingredients. In the large mixing bowl, add the grated carrots, blanched green beans, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, cucumber, and pineapple tidbits. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Add cheese (optional). If using, sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the salad and gently mix it in for an extra creamy texture and savory flavor.
- Chill before serving. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the salad to chill perfectly.
- Serve and enjoy! Garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Serve chilled as a side dish or a light meal.
Tips & Variations
For a vegan twist, use vegan mayonnaise and coconut cream instead of dairy-based cream and mayo.
Try adding diced apples for a crunchy, sweet surprise that pairs well with the pineapple.
If you prefer a tangier salad, add a squeeze of calamansi juice or lemon juice to the dressing. This adds a fresh citrus note that brightens the flavors.
For extra texture, sprinkle toasted nuts like cashews or peanuts on top just before serving. This addition introduces a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This Filipino vegetable salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fried fish, or as a refreshing side to heavy stews and rice dishes. It’s excellent served chilled on a hot day or brought along as a potluck dish.
For a complete Filipino feast, consider serving it alongside adobo or sinigang. For vegetarian or vegan meals, it complements dishes like the Vegan Chipotle Bowl Recipe for a Flavorful Healthy Meal or the Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals.
Conclusion
The best Filipino vegetable salad recipe is a wonderful addition to any meal with its fresh ingredients, creamy dressing, and delightful balance of flavors. It’s easy to make, highly adaptable, and sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this salad offers a nutritious and tasty option that celebrates the vibrant culinary traditions of the Philippines.
Don’t forget to explore more delicious vegetarian ideas to complement this dish by visiting our Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals for hearty, wholesome options that pair perfectly with this salad.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Filipino Vegetable Salad
Description: A fresh and crunchy Filipino vegetable salad with a tangy, creamy dressing. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed and blanched
- 1 cup carrots, julienned and blanched
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced thin
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced thin
- 1/2 cup boiled corn kernels
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Blanch green beans and carrots in boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine green beans, carrots, cabbage, bell pepper, cucumber, corn, and raisins.
- In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, condensed milk, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve cold as a side dish or light meal.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 18 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Best Filipino Vegetable Salad”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A fresh and crunchy Filipino vegetable salad with a tangy, creamy dressing. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT10M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups green beans, trimmed and blanched”, “1 cup carrots, julienned and blanched”, “1 cup cabbage, shredded”, “1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced thin”, “1/2 cup cucumber, sliced thin”, “1/2 cup boiled corn kernels”, “1/4 cup raisins”, “1/2 cup mayonnaise”, “2 tablespoons condensed milk”, “1 tablespoon lemon juice”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Blanch green beans and carrots in boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain and cool.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, combine green beans, carrots, cabbage, bell pepper, cucumber, corn, and raisins.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, condensed milk, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat evenly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve cold as a side dish or light meal.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “3 g”, “fatContent”: “12 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “18 g”}}