Junk Yard Salad Recipe​

This Vegetarian Junk Yard Salad is a fun and hearty mix of various crunchy vegetables, legumes, and a zesty dressing. It’s perfect for potlucks or as a filling meal on its own!

Ingredients

• 2 cups romaine lettuce (chopped)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cup cucumber (diced)
• 1 cup bell peppers (diced, any color)
• 1 cup carrots (shredded)
• 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup corn (canned or frozen, thawed)
• 1/2 cup red onion (finely chopped)
• 1/2 cup radishes (sliced)
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds (for crunch)
• 1 avocado (diced)

For the Dressing:

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, shredded carrots, black beans, corn, red onion, and radishes.

Make the Dressing:

• In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup (or honey), salt, and pepper until well combined.

Combine Ingredients:

• Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Add Crunch:

• Just before serving, sprinkle in the sunflower seeds and diced avocado for added texture and flavor.

Serve:

• Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Tips

• Feel free to customize with other crunchy vegetables like celery or snap peas.
• This salad can be made ahead of time; just keep the avocado separate until serving to prevent browning.
• For added protein, consider mixing in some chickpeas or diced tofu.

Creative Ways to Make a Junk Yard Salad

1. Add Grains: Incorporate cooked quinoa, farro, or brown rice for added texture and nutrition.
2. Include Fruits: Toss in diced apples, pears, or grapes for a sweet contrast to the crunchy veggies.
3. Use Different Nuts and Seeds: Experiment with various nuts (like walnuts or pecans) and seeds (like chia or flaxseeds) for different flavors and crunch.
4. Incorporate Cheese: Add crumbled feta, goat cheese, or vegan cheese for creaminess and flavor.
5. Mix in Legumes: Besides beans, consider adding lentils or peas for an extra protein boost.

Can I Substitute Any Ingredients in the Junk Yard Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! The beauty of a junk yard salad is its flexibility. You can substitute:

• Lettuce: Use spinach, kale, or mixed greens instead of romaine.
• Vegetables: Swap out any vegetables you don’t have for others like zucchini, asparagus, or snap peas.
• Dressing: Change the dressing to your preference; a vinaigrette or yogurt-based dressing can work well.

What Are Some Other No-Lettuce Salad Recipes I Might Enjoy?

Here are a few no-lettuce salad ideas:

• Cucumber and Tomato Salad: Fresh cucumbers and tomatoes tossed with onion, vinegar, and herbs.
• Chickpea Salad: A mix of chickpeas, bell peppers, red onion, parsley, and a lemon-tahini dressing.
• Broccoli Salad: Broccoli florets mixed with raisins, sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing.
• Cauliflower Salad: Roasted cauliflower with olives, capers, and a lemon vinaigrette.

How Can I Make the Junk Yard Salad More Filling?

To make your junk yard salad more filling:

• Add Protein: Include chickpeas, black beans, tofu, or grilled tempeh.
• Incorporate Grains: Add cooked quinoa, brown rice, or couscous for extra sustenance.
• Use Avocado: Avocado adds healthy fats and creaminess that can help keep you full longer.

Are There Any Junk Yard Salad Variations That Include Grains?

Yes! Here are some variations that include grains:

• Quinoa Junk Yard Salad: Mix cooked quinoa with your favorite crunchy vegetables and a zesty dressing.
• Farro and Veggie Salad: Combine cooked farro with chopped vegetables like bell peppers and cucumbers for a hearty salad.
• Brown Rice Salad: Use brown rice as a base and add various vegetables along with nuts or seeds for crunch.

These suggestions will help you create a versatile and satisfying junk yard salad tailored to your tastes! Enjoy experimenting!

This Vegetarian Junk Yard Salad is colorful, nutritious, and packed with flavor—perfect for any occasion! Enjoy!