When it comes to refreshing and satisfying dishes, vegetable salads with mayonnaise stand out as a delightful option that combines crunch, creaminess, and vibrant flavors in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a potluck favorite, these salads bring together fresh vegetables and the rich texture of mayonnaise to create a harmonious balance.
The versatility of mayonnaise as a dressing allows you to customize the taste by adding herbs, spices, or a hint of acidity. In this post, we’ll explore multiple vegetable salad recipes featuring mayonnaise, perfect for anyone who loves wholesome ingredients with a creamy twist.
Get ready to discover easy-to-follow recipes that are nutritious, colorful, and absolutely delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Vegetable salads with mayonnaise are a classic favorite because they offer a perfect blend of fresh, crisp veggies and a creamy dressing that enhances every flavor. These recipes are incredibly adaptable, meaning you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, making them ideal for reducing food waste and staying budget-friendly.
Plus, the creamy mayonnaise not only adds flavor but also helps bind the ingredients together, providing a satisfying texture that makes these salads a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a veggie enthusiast or a picky eater, these salads can be tailored to suit all palates and occasions.
Not to mention, they are easy to prepare, require minimal cooking, and can be made ahead of time, making your meal prep effortless and stress-free.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped cucumbers – peeled or unpeeled based on preference
- 1 cup diced tomatoes – ripe and juicy for best flavor
- 1 cup shredded carrots – adds sweetness and color
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion – for a mild pungent kick
- 1 cup boiled and diced potatoes – optional, for a hearty touch
- 1/2 cup boiled green peas – tender and sweet
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise – use your favorite brand or homemade
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – to add freshness and balance creaminess
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Fresh herbs (optional) – such as dill, parsley, or chives for garnish
Equipment
- Cutting board – for chopping vegetables
- Chef’s knife – sharp for easy dicing and slicing
- Mixing bowl – large enough to toss all ingredients comfortably
- Spoon or spatula – for mixing the salad
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient quantities
- Pot – to boil potatoes and peas if using fresh
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash all fresh vegetables thoroughly. Peel and chop cucumbers into bite-sized pieces, dice tomatoes, shred carrots, and finely chop red onion.
- Boil potatoes and peas: If including potatoes and peas, boil them in salted water until tender (about 10-15 minutes for potatoes, 5-7 minutes for peas). Drain and let cool.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, onions, boiled potatoes, and peas.
- Add mayonnaise and lemon juice: Spoon in the mayonnaise and drizzle the lemon juice over the vegetables.
- Season: Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Mix well: Gently toss all ingredients until the mayonnaise coats the vegetables evenly. Be careful not to mash the potatoes or tomatoes.
- Chill before serving: For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Garnish and serve: Just before serving, add fresh herbs if desired for an extra burst of color and freshness.
Tips & Variations
“Use leftover cooked vegetables to make this salad even more convenient and reduce food waste!”
One great tip is to experiment with different mayonnaise types—try light mayo, flavored mayo (like garlic or chipotle), or even vegan mayonnaise for a dairy-free option. You can also add a teaspoon of mustard or a dash of smoked paprika for a flavor twist.
For extra crunch, consider adding chopped celery, bell peppers, or toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts. Some recipes include boiled eggs or cheese cubes to boost protein content.
If you want to lighten up the salad, substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt or sour cream. This will keep it creamy while reducing calories.
To explore more vegetarian and vegan salad ideas, check out our Best Vegan Salad Bowl Recipes for Fresh Healthy Meals.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
| Vitamin A | 60% DV |
| Vitamin C | 25% DV |
Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
Serving Suggestions
This vegetable salad with mayonnaise pairs wonderfully with grilled sandwiches, wraps, or as a side dish to your favorite vegetarian main courses. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing addition to your weekday meals.
Try serving it alongside dishes like Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals or with a light soup such as Vegan Fall Soup Recipes To Warm Your Cozy Evenings for a balanced meal.
It also works great as a topping for baked potatoes or stuffed into pita pockets for a quick, nutritious lunch option.
Conclusion
Vegetable salads with mayonnaise are a delightful way to enjoy fresh produce combined with creamy richness, making them a staple for many households. Their adaptability means you can easily personalize each salad based on your taste preferences and available ingredients.
Whether you’re preparing a simple side for your dinner or a vibrant dish for a gathering, these recipes promise to deliver on flavor, texture, and nutrition.
With minimal fuss and maximum taste, incorporating these salads into your meal rotation is a fantastic choice. Don’t forget to explore our wide range of vegetarian and vegan recipes, including the A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and the Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals for more inspiration to keep your diet fresh and exciting!
More Vegetable Salad Recipes with Mayonnaise
Classic Russian Salad (Olivier Salad)
This traditional salad is a hearty blend of boiled potatoes, carrots, peas, pickles, and boiled eggs, all mixed with creamy mayonnaise. It’s a festive dish often served during holidays and celebrations.
- 2 cups boiled diced potatoes
- 1 cup boiled diced carrots
- 1 cup boiled green peas
- 1/2 cup chopped pickles
- 3 boiled eggs, chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mix all boiled vegetables, eggs, and pickles in a bowl.
- Fold in mayonnaise and season with salt and pepper.
- Chill for 1 hour before serving.
Creamy Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad
A crunchy and creamy salad combining fresh broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, and raisins, dressed in a tangy mayonnaise sauce. Perfect for a nutritious side dish.
- 2 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 2 cups chopped cauliflower florets
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Blanch broccoli and cauliflower for 1-2 minutes, then drain and cool.
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Toss vegetables, onion, and raisins with the dressing until well coated.
- Chill and serve.
Avocado and Corn Salad with Mayonnaise Dressing
This salad combines creamy avocado and sweet corn with a zesty mayonnaise-based dressing, making it a refreshing and satisfying dish.
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cooked corn kernels
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mix avocado, corn, bell pepper, and cilantro in a bowl.
- Combine mayonnaise and lime juice, then add salt and pepper.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss gently.
- Serve immediately to enjoy avocado at its freshest.
For more recipes that combine fresh ingredients and delicious dressings, explore our collection of Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals and Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend to add some spice and flavor to your salads.
📖 Recipe Card: Classic Vegetable Salad with Mayonnaise
Description: A creamy and refreshing vegetable salad perfect as a side dish or light meal. Easy to prepare with fresh veggies and a tangy mayonnaise dressing.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT15M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped cucumber
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup sweet corn kernels
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cucumber, cherry tomatoes, carrots, bell pepper, corn, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and mix lightly.
- Refrigerate for 10 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 8 g
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