Why Make This Recipe

The Depression Era Salad is not just a dish; it’s a slice of history. This salad represents a time when people had to make do with limited ingredients and still create something refreshing and satisfying. It’s a simple recipe that emphasizes fresh vegetables and basic seasonings, providing a nutritious option that’s easy on the budget. Enjoy this salad for its crunch, flavor, and nutritional benefits, and appreciate the lessons of frugality it teaches us.

How to Make Depression Era Salad

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup diced cucumbers
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/2 cup sliced radishes
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell peppers
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Directions

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, diced onions, sliced radishes, chopped green bell peppers, and chopped parsley (if using).
2. Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the vegetables together to distribute the seasoning evenly.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, and sugar (if using) to make the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat all the vegetables with the dressing.
5. Cover the salad bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill.
6. Serve the Depression Era Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish or light lunch.
7. Enjoy this simple and economical salad that harkens back to the Depression era, providing nourishment and flavor with humble ingredients.

How to Serve Depression Era Salad

Serve the Depression Era Salad chilled. It makes a great side dish for grilled meats or sandwiches. It can also be a light lunch on its own. Add some crusty bread on the side to complete the meal.

How to Store Depression Era Salad

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best to eat the salad within one or two days for freshness. If you plan to keep it longer, wait to add the dressing until you are ready to serve to maintain the crispness of the vegetables.

Tips to Make Depression Era Salad

• Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for the best flavor.
• Feel free to mix in any vegetables you have on hand, such as carrots or celery.
• To make the salad heartier, consider adding canned beans or boiled eggs for protein.

Variation

You can add a variety of ingredients based on your taste. For a bit of sweetness, consider adding some diced apples or pears. For extra crunch, nuts like walnuts or sunflower seeds can be a great addition.

FAQs

1. Can I use different vegetables in this salad?
Yes! You can customize the salad with whatever fresh vegetables you have available.

2. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, the Depression Era Salad can be prepped in advance, but add the dressing right before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.

3. Can I make this salad vegan?
This salad is already vegan as long as you keep it free from animal products in the dressing. The ingredients are all plant-based!