Party Buffet Composed Salad

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A composed salad is the perfect dish to serve at any gathering or celebration. It is fresh, healthy, and delicious, and it can be made in a variety of different ways depending on your preferences.

serves/makes:

ready in:
30-60 minutes

ingredients

4 packages (10-16 ounce size) frozen mixed vegetables
4 cold cooked potatoes
1 large bell pepper
4 carrots
4 large tomatoes
1 small bunch radishes
1 bunch scallions
4 stalks celery
8 hard-boiled eggs
2 heads iceberg lettuce or other lettuce

Mayonnaise Dressing
2 cups mayonnaise
1 cup milk, more if needed
1/3 cup grated onion
4 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
salt and pepper, to taste

directions

Cook the mixed vegetables as directed on the package until crisp-tender. Submerge in ice water to quickly chill them, then drain them well on paper toweling.

Peel and dice the potatoes. Seed and dice the bell pepper. Peel the carrots and cut them julienne or use a vegetable peeler to shave them in strips. Dice the tomatoes. Trim the radishes and then thinly slice them. Slice the scallions (white and green parts). Thinly slice the celery. Peel the hard-boiled eggs and cut into wedges or slices. Separate the leaves of lettuce.

Line a large salad bowl with the largest lettuce leaves. Tear the remaining leaves into bite-sized pieces. Compose the salad as desired, grouping the ingredients together or arranging them neatly.

Combine the mayonnaise, milk, onion, and parsley in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Add more milk if needed to make it a pourable consistency. Season the dressing to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve the salad with the dressing on the side or drizzled over the top.

recipe tips

Composed salads are meant to be attractive, consider the color and texture of the ingredients when arranging them.

Using a variety of lettuces (romaine, arugula, spinach) can add different flavors and textures.

For even cooking, cut the vegetables (if using fresh) into uniform sizes before blanching.

If using the salad as a main dish, consider providing multiple dressing options to cater to different tastes.

Garnish the salad with fresh herbs, edible flowers, or nuts for extra flavor and a decorative touch.

common recipe questions

What is a composed salad?

A composed salad is a type of salad where the ingredients are carefully arranged rather than tossed together. This method of salad preparation focuses on the presentation, allowing each component to be placed with intention. Cobb salads are an example of a traditional composed salad.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh vegetables can be used in place of frozen. Just blanch them until crisp-tender, then chill in ice water before assembling the salad.

Can I add protein to make it a main dish?

Grilled chicken, canned tuna, cooked shrimp, or chickpeas can be added to make the salad more substantial.

How can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare all the components ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad close to serving time to keep everything fresh.

What other dressings can I use?

Feel free to use your favorite dressings like vinaigrette, ranch, or Italian instead of the mayonnaise dressing.

Can I substitute other vegetables?

Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables such as cucumber, zucchini, sweet corn, or peas based on availability and preference.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assembled salad should be consumed within a day for the best quality.

Can I make the dressing spicier?

Add a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or minced jalapeno to the dressing for a spicy kick.

What if I don't have fresh parsley for the dressing?

Dried parsley can be used in a pinch. Use one-third the amount called for fresh. If using dried, you may want to make the dressing ahead of time so the dried parsley has a chance to "rehydrate" a little.

Is it possible to make the dressing with less fat?

Yes, you can use low-fat or fat-free mayonnaise and skim milk to reduce the fat content of the dressing.

nutrition data

498 calories, 37 grams fat, 38 grams carbohydrates, 13 grams protein per serving.

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