Creamy Mixed Cold Salad – A Colorful, Flavor-Packed Delight

Creamy Mixed Cold Salad – A Colorful, Flavor-Packed Delight

🥄 Introduction:

Looking for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare? This Creamy Mixed Cold Salad is exactly what your menu needs! Bursting with vibrant vegetables, tender macaroni or potatoes, savory proteins like ham or tuna, and wrapped in a luscious creamy dressing — this chilled salad is a beloved classic at picnics, potlucks, and family dinners.

What makes this salad extra special is its versatility. Whether you love pasta or potatoes, pineapple or peas, boiled eggs or bell peppers — you can mix and match ingredients to suit your taste. It’s creamy, crunchy, tangy, and a little bit sweet… a perfect balance of flavors in every bite!

🧂 Ingredients:

Base Options (choose one or combine):

• 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni (cooled)

• 2 cups boiled potatoes, diced and cooled

Protein (choose your favorite):

• 1 cup cooked and cubed ham

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• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken or canned tuna

• 2–3 hard-boiled eggs, sliced

Vegetables:

• 1 cup carrots, grated or diced

• 1 cup green peas (boiled or thawed frozen)

• 1 cup corn kernels (boiled or canned)

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• 1/2 cup red or green bell pepper, diced

• 1/2 cup celery or red onion (optional), finely chopped

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (for a sweet tropical twist)

• Jalapeño slices or green chilies (for heat)

• Fresh parsley or spring onion for garnish

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Creamy Dressing:

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons sour cream or plain yogurt

• 1 tablespoon Dijon or yellow mustard

• 1 teaspoon sugar or honey (optional, for balance)

• Salt & pepper to taste

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• A squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar (for brightness)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Cook the Base:

   • Boil the macaroni or potatoes until tender. Drain and let them cool completely.

   • If using pasta, rinse under cold water to stop cooking and remove starch.

2. Prepare the Ingredients:

   • Boil eggs (if using), peel, and slice.

   • Dice or grate the vegetables.

   • If using canned tuna, drain it well. If using ham or chicken, cube it into bite-sized pieces.

3. Mix the Dressing:

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   • In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream/yogurt, mustard, sugar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

4. Combine the Salad:

   • In a large mixing bowl, add your cooked base (macaroni or potatoes), protein, and vegetables.

   • Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

   • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

5. Chill Before Serving:

   • Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the salad chill.

   • Before serving, garnish with egg slices, parsley, or your favorite toppings.

🍽️ Conclusion:

This Creamy Mixed Cold Salad is a delicious symphony of textures and flavors. It’s creamy, colorful, hearty, and incredibly flexible. Whether you enjoy it as a side dish at barbecues or as a light lunch, it never fails to impress. You can customize it for every occasion — add more veggies, switch up the protein, or adjust the creaminess to your preference.

So go ahead, mix it your way, and let every spoonful bring a refreshing burst of comfort and joy! 🌈🥗

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