Crunchy, creamy, and bursting with color, vegetable salads with mayonnaise are the ultimate crowd-pleasers—whether you’re prepping for a picnic, a potluck, or a weeknight dinner. The magic lies in their versatility: you can toss together whatever fresh veggies you have on hand, add a luscious mayo-based dressing, and in minutes you’ll have a side dish everyone will love.
From classic coleslaw to vibrant Russian salad and Indian-style veggie mixes, the combination of crisp vegetables and mayonnaise creates a salad that’s both satisfying and adaptable to any palate. In this post, I’ll share three of my favorite veg salad recipes with mayonnaise, each with its own twist.
You’ll find step-by-step instructions, time-saving tips, and plenty of inspiration to make these salads your own. Ready to discover your new favorite way to eat more veggies?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: All of these salads come together in under 20 minutes, making them perfect for busy schedules.
- Customizable: Use whatever vegetables are in season or in your fridge—these recipes are endlessly adaptable!
- Great for Meal Prep: These salads stay fresh and delicious for a day or two in the fridge, making them ideal for lunches and leftovers.
- Crowd-Pleasers: The creamy mayo dressing appeals to kids and adults alike—perfect for gatherings and family meals.
- Nutritious and Filling: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, these salads are a healthy addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients for three delicious veg salad recipes with mayonnaise: Classic Vegetable Salad, Russian Salad, and Indian-Style Veg Mayo Salad.
Recipe 1: Classic Vegetable Salad with Mayonnaise
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Carrot (peeled and diced) | 1 medium |
Cucumber (diced) | 1 medium |
Bell pepper (choose any color, diced) | 1 medium |
Sweet corn kernels (boiled) | 1/2 cup |
Red onion (finely chopped) | 1 small |
Fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
Mayonnaise | 1/3 cup |
Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
Salt & pepper | To taste |
Recipe 2: Russian Salad (Olivier Salad) with Mayo
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Potatoes (boiled, peeled, diced) | 2 medium |
Carrots (boiled, peeled, diced) | 1 medium |
Green peas (boiled or thawed) | 1/2 cup |
Apple (peeled, diced) | 1 small |
Pineapple (diced, optional) | 1/4 cup |
Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
Salt & pepper | To taste |
Chopped chives or parsley | 1 tbsp |
Recipe 3: Indian-Style Veg Mayo Salad
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Cabbage (shredded) | 1 cup |
Carrot (grated) | 1 medium |
Capsicum/Green bell pepper (thinly sliced) | 1/2 medium |
Sweet corn (boiled) | 1/3 cup |
Black pepper powder | 1/2 tsp |
Chaat masala | 1/2 tsp |
Mayonnaise | 1/4 cup |
Lemon juice | 1 tsp |
Salt | To taste |
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl: For tossing all your salad ingredients together.
- Chopping Board and Sharp Knife: Essential for prepping your veggies.
- Vegetable Peeler: Makes peeling carrots and potatoes a breeze.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
- Salad Serving Spoon or Tongs: To mix and serve your salads easily.
- Medium Saucepan: Needed for boiling potatoes, carrots, peas, or corn.
- Colander: For draining boiled veggies.
Instructions
Classic Vegetable Salad with Mayonnaise
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash, peel, and dice the carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper. Finely chop the red onion and parsley/cilantro.
- Mix the Veggies: In a large mixing bowl, combine diced carrot, cucumber, bell pepper, sweet corn, and red onion.
- Add the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the mayo dressing over the veggies. Gently toss until all vegetables are evenly coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley/cilantro on top. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for more flavor.
Russian Salad (Olivier Salad) with Mayo
- Boil the Vegetables: Boil potatoes, carrots, and green peas until just tender. Drain and let cool. Dice potatoes and carrots into small cubes.
- Prepare the Fruits: Dice apple and pineapple (if using). Pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine potatoes, carrots, peas, apple, and pineapple.
- Add Mayonnaise: Add mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until all the ingredients are coated.
- Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle with chopped chives or parsley. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.
Indian-Style Veg Mayo Salad
- Prepare the Vegetables: Shred cabbage, grate carrot, and thinly slice capsicum. Boil sweet corn if using fresh.
- Combine the Veggies: In a large mixing bowl, add cabbage, carrot, capsicum, and sweet corn.
- Season and Dress: Sprinkle black pepper powder, chaat masala, and salt over the veggies. Add mayonnaise and lemon juice.
- Toss Well: Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring all the vegetables are nicely coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Serve chilled as a side or as a stuffing for sandwiches and wraps.
Pro Tip: For extra crunch, add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds to any of these salads just before serving!
Tips & Variations
- Make it Vegan: Use vegan mayonnaise for a plant-based version that’s just as creamy. Check out this Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for other creamy vegan ideas.
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked beans, chickpeas, or cubed tofu for added protein and heartiness.
- Switch Up the Veggies: Try adding cherry tomatoes, blanched broccoli, cooked beetroot, or even roasted sweet potatoes for more flavor and color.
- Herb It Up: Fresh basil, mint, or dill can add a refreshing twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes, paprika, or a spoonful of sriracha to the mayo for some heat.
- Make It a Meal: Serve over a bed of lettuce, stuff into pita pockets, or roll into wraps for a satisfying lunch.
“Salads are the most forgiving recipes—let your creativity shine and use up whatever you have on hand!”
Nutrition Facts
Below is an approximate nutrition breakdown for one serving (about 1 cup) of veg salad with mayonnaise. Please note that values may vary depending on specific ingredients and quantities used.
Nutrient | Classic Veg Salad | Russian Salad | Indian-Style Salad |
---|---|---|---|
Calories | 170 | 220 | 150 |
Protein (g) | 3 | 4 | 2 |
Fat (g) | 10 | 14 | 9 |
Carbohydrates (g) | 18 | 24 | 16 |
Fiber (g) | 3 | 4 | 3 |
Sodium (mg) | 220 | 260 | 210 |
For those looking for lighter options, try using low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as a substitute.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Side: Pair with grilled sandwiches or wraps for a balanced meal.
- In a Sandwich: Spoon the salad between slices of your favorite bread—try this Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.
- Potluck Star: Serve in a large bowl, garnished with extra herbs and lemon wedges for color.
- Healthy Snack: Enjoy a scoop with whole grain crackers or pita chips. Check out this Vegetable Crackers Recipe for Healthy Homemade Snacking.
- Stuffed in Veggies: Fill hollowed-out tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers with the salad for a fun presentation.
- Buddha Bowl: Add a scoop to a grain bowl with quinoa, leafy greens, and hummus.
Hosting tip: Serve your veg salad with a variety of dips and breads for an easy, interactive appetizer platter.
Conclusion
Veg salad recipes with mayonnaise are a must-have in any culinary repertoire. Their adaptability means you can whip up a nutritious, colorful dish with whatever vegetables you have on hand, and the creamy mayo dressing adds just the right touch of indulgence.
Whether you’re in the mood for the comforting flavors of Russian salad, the crunch of a classic veggie mix, or the zesty notes of Indian-style chaat, these salads are simple, satisfying, and sure to please.
They’re perfect for meal prepping, potlucks, or a quick, healthy snack—plus, they’re endlessly customizable to fit your taste and dietary needs.
Looking for even more vegetable inspiration? Try these other delicious recipes: Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals, Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals, or cozy up with a bowl of Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating.
Your next favorite salad is just a whisk away—don’t be afraid to experiment and make these recipes your own!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetable Salad with Mayonnaise
Description: A creamy, refreshing salad packed with crunchy vegetables and tossed in a tangy mayonnaise dressing. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT15M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup carrot, grated
- 1 cup boiled sweet corn kernels
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced (mixed colors)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander, chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cucumber, carrot, corn, bell pepper, and red onion.
- Add mayonnaise, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt.
- Mix everything until the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Garnish with chopped coriander.
- Chill for 10 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 18 g
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