Nish Nosh Salad Recipe

This salad is a delightful mix of fresh, crunchy, and flavorful ingredients.

I love how the combination of veggies, nuts, and cheese creates a satisfying dish.

One important tip: toast the nuts lightly to bring out their natural flavor.

I recommend using a mix of greens for added texture and taste.

What makes this recipe special to me is its versatility—you can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients.

Don’t forget to drizzle a tangy vinaigrette on top for the perfect finishing touch.

This recipe is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner.

Enjoy making and savoring this refreshing Nish Nosh salad!

How to Make Nish Nosh Salad

Nish Nosh Salad, a protein-rich and flavorful dish, combines crispy nish nosh crackers with fresh vegetables and a homemade dressing for a unique culinary experience.

Ingredients List

• Romaine lettuce: ½ head, chopped
• Purple cabbage: ½ bag, shredded
• Grape tomatoes: 1 pkg or 2 cups, halved
• Nish Nosh crackers: 1 cup, crushed

For the Dressing:

• Quality mayonnaise (or vegan alternative): ½ cup
• Sour cream (or light mayonnaise): ¼ cup
• Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
• Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Lemon juice: ½ teaspoon
• Garlic salt: ¾ teaspoon
• Kosher salt: to taste
• Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon
• Cayenne pepper: a pinch

Step-by-step process

Step 1:

Begin by preparing the salad base. Wash the romaine lettuce and purple cabbage, dry thoroughly, and chop or shred them into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2:

Half the grape tomatoes and set them aside.

Step 3:

For the dressing, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and vegetable oil in a mixing bowl.

Step 4:

Add soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic salt, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the mixture.

Step 5:

Whisk the ingredients together until you have a smooth and consistent dressing. Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary.

Step 6:

In a large salad bowl, toss the romaine lettuce, purple cabbage, and grape tomatoes together.

Step 7:

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss again to ensure that the vegetables are evenly coated.

Step 8:

Right before serving, sprinkle the crushed nish nosh crackers over the salad for a delightful crunch.

Serve the Nish Nosh Salad as individual portions, ensuring each has a generous amount of the seasoned dressing and crackers.

Nish Nosh Salad Side Dishes

When enjoying a Nish Nosh Salad, choosing the right side dishes can enhance the dining experience.

Below are recommended sides to complement the salad.

Cahall’s Chicken Salad

Cahall’s Chicken Salad is a protein-rich option that pairs perfectly with the crisp green cabbage of a Nish Nosh Salad.

It typically involves a creamy combination of mayonnaise and tender chicken pieces.

This side dish is hearty, making it an excellent contrast to the lighter elements of the salad.

Onion Crackers

For an added crunch, serve your Nish Nosh Salad with a side of onion crackers.

These crackers have a savory onion flavor which works well with the fresh components of the salad.

You can find both traditional and low-fat versions to cater to your dietary preferences.

Oyster Crackers

Oyster crackers are small, salted crackers that provide a delightful texture.

They are typically served with soups but also make a great accomplice to salads.

Their neutral taste won’t overpower the flavors of your Nish Nosh Salad.

Vegan Crackers

If you’re looking for a cracker alternative that suits a vegan diet, opt for vegan crackers.

These crackers are made without any animal products and are usually lower in fat compared to their traditional counterparts.

They maintain the crunchy element you desire alongside your salad.

Homemade Mayonnaise

To tailor the dressing to your personal cookbook, consider making a homemade mayonnaise mixture instead of using store-bought mayonnaise.

You’ll need just a cup of mayonnaise mixed with your choice of seasonings.

This provides a unique, fresh taste that complements the Nish Nosh Salad.

Add two tablespoons of mayonnaise to start and adjust to your liking.

Ingredients Substitutes

Romaine Lettuce

You can substitute romaine lettuce with kale or spinach for a nutrient-dense alternative.

Kale adds a hearty texture, while spinach offers a softer bite.

Black Pepper

If you’re out of black pepper, a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a different kind of heat to your salad.

Adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.

Sour Cream

For a lighter version, you might opt for Greek yogurt.

It maintains the creamy texture, with added protein and a tangy flavor.

Soy Sauce

If you need a gluten-free option or simply don’t have soy sauce, tamari is a suitable substitute, providing a similar umami depth with less sodium.

Grape or Cherry Tomatoes

You can replace grape or cherry tomatoes with diced beefsteak or Roma tomatoes.

They’ll give a comparable taste and juiciness to the salad.

Purple or White Cabbage

If purple cabbage is unavailable, white cabbage or shredded Brussels sprouts are fine replacements, offering a similar crunchiness.

Regular Mustard

For a more complex flavor, a good alternative is Dijon mustard, which provides a smooth texture and a slightly spicy kick.

Vegetable Oil

For a healthier choice or if you’re out of vegetable oil, extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil are great substitutes, enhancing the salad with their distinctive flavors.

Garlic Cloves

When fresh garlic cloves aren’t on hand, garlic powder or garlic salt (reduce additional salt to compensate) can be used to retain the garlic essence in the dressing.

Salt Variations

Whether you’re using kosher salt, sea salt, or regular table salt, interchange them in equal ratios based on your preference for crystal size and saltiness intensity.

Mayonnaise Varieties

If you prefer a lighter version, light mayonnaise is a suitable substitute.

For a vegan option, vegan mayonnaise works well, ensuring the creamy texture without animal products.

Vinegar

For dressings, if the recipe calls for a specific vinegar and you don’t have it, apple cider vinegar is versatile and can usually be used as a substitute, offering a fruity tang.

How to Store Nish Nosh Salad

Using an Airtight Container

Store your Nish Nosh Salad in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

This prevents air from making the salad components soggy.

Place your salad in the container as soon as it’s prepared if you’re not serving it immediately.

Refrigeration is Key

Keep the salad refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.

The cold environment helps to keep it crisp.

Do not leave the salad at room temperature for more than two hours to avoid bacterial growth.

Separate Wet and Dry Ingredients

If possible, store dressing and ingredients prone to causing sogginess separately.

Combine them right before serving to ensure the salad remains crisp and fresh.

Portioning Out Servings

When saving leftovers, consider portioning the salad into single servings.

This minimizes the amount of times the salad is exposed to air, keeping individual servings of salad fresher.

Remember to consume your stored salad within 1-2 days for the best quality and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-Dressing the Salad

Avoid drenching your nish nosh salad in too much dressing.

It should lightly coat the ingredients to maintain the salad’s crispness.

Measure your dressing and add gradually, tasting as you go.

Ignoring Ingredient Quality

Select fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.

Limp vegetables or stale nuts can ruin the experience.

Your salad should be vibrant and full of life, especially since it’s kid-friendly and crunchy.

Not Toasting the Nuts

For an added crunch, always toast the nuts before adding them to your salad.

This step enhances their flavor and contributes to the overall crunchiness of the salad.

Remember to let them cool before mixing in.

Chopping Vegetables Inconsistently

Cut vegetables into uniform sizes for even distribution and a harmonious bite.

Inconsistent chopping will contribute to an uneven salad crush, compromising the texture of each mouthful.

Forgetting to Season

Season your salad with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavors.

A pinch of salt can make a significant difference in the taste of your crunchy salad.

Using The Wrong Lettuce

Opt for crispy lettuce like Romaine or Iceberg to support the weight of the dressing and toppings without wilting.

Neglecting Dietary Restrictions

Always consider potential allergies and dietary restrictions, particularly if the salad is intended for children or a group meal.

Substitute or eliminate any problematic ingredients.