Welcome to the story behind a cherished family recipe, lovingly known as “Peg’s Salad” – or for those outside our immediate circle, the delightful Italian Summer Salad. This vibrant dish is more than just a mix of fresh vegetables; it’s a heartfelt tribute to a remarkable woman and her incredible raw veggie creation. Imagine crunchy cauliflower, crisp broccoli, and sweet carrots, perfectly complemented by savory mozzarella cheese and crispy bacon, all brought together with a luscious creamy Italian dressing. This salad isn’t just a meal; it’s a certified classic, a go-to for picnics, potlucks, and any gathering that calls for a refreshing, flavor-packed side. It embodies the spirit of summer and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones, making every bite a celebration.

While the internet might know it as the “Italian Raw Veggie Salad,” in our family, this recipe has always held a much more personal name: “Peg’s Salad.” My husband’s God-Mother, Peg, was the brilliant mind behind this culinary gem, and to us, simply saying “Peg’s Salad” conjures immediate understanding and a shared memory of its irresistible taste. The raw veggie foundation includes an abundance of fresh, crisp cauliflower, vibrant carrots, and tender broccoli florets, all enhanced by the satisfying salty crunch of bacon bits. The “Italian” element truly shines through with the generous addition of creamy mozzarella cheese and a decadent creamy Italian dressing, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary. It’s remarkably easy to prepare, yet incredibly delicious and satisfying, proving that the best dishes are often the simplest ones.

Contents

Peg’s Signature Italian Summer Salad: A Classic Raw Veggie Delight

The Heartwarming Story Behind Peg’s Salad

This Italian Summer Salad is, at its core, a loving tribute to a very special lady, Peg, and her truly great raw veggie salad recipe. Peg, my husband’s God-Mother, was an incredibly dynamic woman. You know the type – she possessed an infectious energy that could brighten any room simply by walking into it. She was one of the most hard-working individuals I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing, dedicating herself wholeheartedly to everything she did. Above all, she loved her family with every fiber of her being, and that love infused everything, including her cooking. No matter the circumstances, Peg always had an uncanny ability to find the silver lining, to make the best out of any situation with grace and strength. Tragically, in April of 2011, she was taken from us far too soon, at the young age of 58. This salad, bursting with life and flavor, continues to be a vibrant reminder of her joyful spirit and her lasting culinary legacy within our family.

An Instant Connection: The First Bite That Hooked Me

I still vividly recall the first time I tasted this phenomenal salad. It was early in my marriage, at a bustling family event, and there it was, nestled among other delicious dishes on the potluck buffet table: a vibrant raw vegetable salad. Intrigued by its fresh appearance, I took a small spoonful. The first bite was an absolute revelation – so incredibly tasty and satisfying! Without hesitation, I promptly went back for a second, much larger, helping. I knew then and there that I needed the recipe. I eagerly asked Peg for it, and true to its origin, the recipe card she shared with me has always been proudly titled “Peg’s Salad.” It quickly became a cherished staple in our household and an anticipated favorite at every get-together. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary heirloom, a testament to Peg’s incredible knack for creating simple yet unforgettable dishes that bring joy. I have no doubt that once you try it, you’ll fall in love with this perfect picnic and potluck salad just as much as we all have!

Making it Your Own: Delightful Italian Summer Salad Variations

One of the many wonderful aspects of Peg’s fresh Italian Summer Salad is its incredible versatility. It serves as a fantastic base, allowing you to easily substitute or add other fresh vegetables and ingredients to truly make it your own culinary masterpiece. While the original blend of crunchy cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots is unbeatable, don’t hesitate to experiment! For instance, if you’re looking for a softer texture or a different color pop, fresh or even defrosted frozen peas can be a delightful addition, adding a touch of sweetness and vibrant green hue. You could also introduce finely chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) for extra sweetness and crunch, or even thin slices of cucumber for a refreshing element.

Exploring other cruciferous vegetables can also elevate the salad’s nutritional profile and flavor complexity. Consider adding thinly sliced Brussels sprouts for a slightly bitter edge, or finely diced radishes for a peppery kick and vibrant color. Even delicate leafy greens like peppery arugula or bright watercress can be gently folded in just before serving to expand the salad’s character and add an extra layer of freshness. These cruciferous vegetables are not only delicious but also packed with an impressive array of vitamins, minerals, and potent antioxidants, making your salad even healthier and more beneficial.

If you’re aiming to make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. To retain that desirable salty crunch and texture, I highly recommend incorporating seasoned croutons, which absorb some of the dressing beautifully, or sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds for a nutty flavor and added nutrition. For those seeking a vegan option, swap the mozzarella cheese for a plant-based shredded cheese alternative and ensure your creamy Italian dressing is dairy-free (or make your own vegan creamy dressing). You could also introduce other plant-based proteins like chickpeas, black beans, or grilled tofu for a heartier, more substantial dish. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle heat, while a handful of chopped cherry tomatoes will add extra juiciness and a burst of flavor. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to customize this classic to suit any taste, dietary preference, or seasonal availability of ingredients.

How to Store Raw Veggie Salads for Maximum Freshness

Proper storage is key to enjoying this vibrant Italian Summer Salad for days after its initial preparation. Since it features a combination of fresh vegetables, cheese, and a creamy dressing, all components benefit from consistent refrigeration. I strongly recommend transferring any leftovers into an airtight storage container immediately after serving. This prevents oxidation, maintains the salad’s crisp texture, and locks in all those delicious flavors. Exposure to air is the enemy of freshness for most salads, so a well-sealed container is paramount. While it’s technically possible to freeze a salad, especially one with sturdy vegetables like these, I genuinely advise against it for this particular dish. Freezing and thawing raw vegetables, particularly those with high water content, tends to result in a mushy, watery, and less satisfying texture, far from the fresh and crunchy experience you crave from this salad. The creamy dressing also tends to separate upon thawing, compromising the overall quality. When stored correctly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, you can confidently enjoy this delightful veggie salad with its creamy Italian dressing for approximately 3 to 4 days. Always give it a good toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing and revive the flavors, ensuring every bite is as delicious as the first.

Which Vegetables Can Be Eaten Raw in Salads? Exploring Freshness

The beauty of salads lies in their celebration of fresh, raw ingredients, and indeed, most vegetables are perfectly delicious and incredibly beneficial when eaten uncooked. For this Italian Summer Salad, raw is absolutely the best way to go, preserving the delightful crunch and maximizing nutrient retention. While some might consider a quick, light parboil for certain tougher vegetables like broccoli – perhaps for just 30 seconds to slightly soften them – it’s often unnecessary and can diminish some of the valuable nutrients. The trick to enjoying harder raw veggies in a salad is simply to cut them to the appropriate, bite-sized pieces. When chopped finely or into small florets, even dense vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli become wonderfully manageable and enjoyable, offering a satisfying texture without being overwhelming, unless you have an exceptionally sensitive palate. Think beyond the usual lettuce! Many vegetables shine brightest in their raw state. Bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, radishes, celery, and even thinly sliced zucchini or mushrooms are all fantastic raw additions to countless salads. Leafy greens like spinach, kale (massaged with a little dressing), and mixed greens are obvious choices. Don’t forget about onions (red or green for a milder flavor), fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, and even corn kernels. Embrace the natural crispness, vibrant colors, and unadulterated flavors that raw vegetables bring to your salad bowl, enhancing both taste and nutritional value.

Is Raw Salad Good for Health? The Undeniable Benefits

Absolutely, raw salads are not just good for your health; they should be a fundamental and healthy staple in everyone’s diet. There is a universal consensus among nutritionists and health experts that a significant portion of our daily intake should come from legumes and raw vegetables. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a proven fact. Studies of the world’s longest-living populations consistently show that diets rich in beans and fresh, uncooked vegetables are a common denominator for longevity and vitality. Raw vegetables retain their full spectrum of heat-sensitive vitamins, such as the crucial Vitamin C and many B vitamins, which can be degraded by cooking. They also provide valuable enzymes that can aid digestion, helping your body to better break down and absorb nutrients from your entire meal. Furthermore, raw vegetables are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which plays a vital role in promoting digestive health, regulating blood sugar levels, and contributing to a feeling of fullness, which can assist with healthy weight management. They are packed with an abundance of antioxidants, phytonutrients, and minerals that protect cells from damage, reduce inflammation throughout the body, and support a robust immune system. Incorporating more raw salads, like this delicious Italian Summer Salad, into your regular meals is a simple yet profoundly powerful step towards achieving a healthier, more vibrant, and energized lifestyle.

Choosing the Perfect Dressing for This Italian Summer Salad

The dressing is undeniably a star component of this Italian Summer Salad, bringing all the raw vegetables, cheese, and bacon together into a harmonious blend of flavors. Originally, Peg’s cherished recipe specifically called for Seven Seas Creamy Italian Dressing. Over the years, however, I’ve found it increasingly difficult to locate that particular brand in local stores, a common challenge for many beloved legacy products. But fret not! The good news is that many other fantastic creamy Italian dressings are available that work beautifully as a substitute, ensuring you can still replicate Peg’s delightful creation. After some experimentation, I’ve successfully used and highly recommend brands like Wish-Bone Creamy Italian or Kraft Creamy Italian. The absolute key here is to specifically reach for a *creamy* Italian dressing, not just a regular vinaigrette-style Italian dressing. The creamy texture is essential for providing that luxurious mouthfeel, and it effectively binds the salad ingredients together, coating every piece of crunchy vegetable and savory bacon with a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor. This ensures a consistent taste and texture throughout the entire salad. Feel free to use your personal favorite creamy Italian brand; just ensure it’s the rich, opaque kind to achieve the authentic taste and signature texture of Peg’s classic salad.

Peg’s Salad (Italian Summer Salad) Ingredients

Exact measurements and detailed step-by-step instructions for preparing this delightful salad can be found in the printable recipe card, which is typically located at the bottom of this post.

1 medium head cauliflower, chopped into uniform bite-sized florets
4 small bunches broccoli, chopped into uniform bite-sized florets
1 small package (approximately 8 ounces) baby carrots, finely chopped or shredded for easier eating
1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese – for best flavor and texture, I highly recommend to shred your own!
8 slices of bacon, fried until perfectly crispy and then crumbled (Alternatively, for a quick and convenient option, one 9-ounce package of real pre-cooked bacon pieces works wonderfully in a pinch)
1 (15 ounce) bottle of your preferred creamy Italian Salad Dressing

How to Make This Irresistible Italian Summer Salad

For the best possible flavor and texture, it’s absolutely crucial to allow ample time for this salad to properly chill and marinate in the refrigerator. I always make it at least 8 hours before I plan to serve it, as this allows the creamy dressing to deeply infuse all the vegetables and cheese, tenderizing them slightly and blending the flavors harmoniously. Making it the day before and letting it chill overnight works absolutely wonderfully, enhancing all the flavors and achieving that signature taste!

Raw cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots chopped in a large mixing bowl

STEP 1: CHOP THE VEGGIES

Begin by thoroughly washing all your fresh vegetables under cold running water. Then, carefully chop the cauliflower, carrots, and broccoli into uniform, bite-sized pieces. The key is consistency here, as uniform pieces ensure even coating by the dressing and make the salad easier and more pleasant to eat. Once chopped, place all the vibrant vegetables into a large mixing bowl, preparing them for the next delicious additions.

Chopped vegetables and crumbled bacon ready to be mixed for Peg's Salad

STEP 2: ADD BACON

Next, introduce the star of the savory crunch: the crispy, crumbled bacon. Gently add the bacon pieces to the large bowl with your chopped vegetables.

Give the ingredients a good toss using a large spoon or salad tongs to ensure the bacon is well combined and evenly distributed among the veggies. This step lays the foundation for a delicious burst of salty, savory flavor in every bite.

STEP 3: SHRED AND TOSS WITH MOZZARELLA

Now, add the delicious shredded mozzarella cheese to the medley of vegetables and bacon. Once again, toss everything together gently but thoroughly. Ensure the cheese is evenly dispersed throughout the salad, as its creamy texture provides a lovely contrast to the crunchy vegetables and salty bacon. This step adds a wonderful cheesy richness that defines the “Italian” aspect of this salad.

STEP 4: DRESS THE SALAD

It’s time for the crowning glory – pour the entire bottle of creamy Italian dressing over the prepared salad ingredients. Don’t be shy; ensure generous coverage to guarantee every component is infused with its rich flavor. The dressing is key to tenderizing the raw vegetables during the marinating process.

STEP 5: TOSS AND REFRIGERATE

Using large salad tongs or clean hands, thoroughly toss the salad to ensure every single piece of vegetable, bacon, and cheese is beautifully coated in the creamy dressing. This step is absolutely crucial for optimal flavor development and for allowing the ingredients to properly marinate. Once well-mixed, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 8 hours. For optimal flavor infusion and a truly irresistible result, I highly recommend refrigerating it for a full 24 hours before serving. The longer it chills, the better the flavors meld and deepen. Serve thoroughly chilled and enjoy the rich, marinated flavors!

Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!

Don’t let this incredible recipe get lost in the digital shuffle! If you love the sound of Peg’s Italian Summer Salad and are excited to try it, please take a moment to pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board. This way, you’ll always be able to easily find it whenever a craving strikes, when you’re planning your next family meal, a potluck, or any gathering where a delicious side dish is needed!

Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings

Peg’s Italian Summer Salad is incredibly versatile and makes a fantastic accompaniment to a wide variety of meals, particularly during the warmer months. Its refreshing crunch and creamy texture perfectly complement hearty main dishes. Imagine serving it alongside a classic summer barbecue spread featuring succulent grilled chicken, juicy homemade burgers, tender pork ribs, or even grilled salmon. It’s also an excellent partner to Italian-inspired main courses, such as baked ziti, a comforting lasagna, a simple pasta primavera, or chicken parmesan. For a lighter meal, pair it with a gourmet sandwich, a hearty wrap, or a bowl of homemade soup. Its vibrant flavors and satisfying components also make it a superb stand-alone lunch option, especially on a warm day. Furthermore, it’s the ultimate contribution to any potluck or picnic, as it travels well and consistently delights crowds. No matter the occasion, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a memorable addition to your table!

Mom's Marinated Vegetables in a white bowl, similar to Italian Summer Salad

Discover More Delicious Salad Recipes to Enjoy

If you’ve enjoyed this delightful Italian Summer Salad, you’ll be thrilled to know that my site is brimming with oodles of other fantastic salad recipes! Whether you’re looking for something light and fresh, hearty and satisfying, or perfectly unique, there’s a salad here for every occasion and palate. Expanding your salad repertoire is a delicious way to enjoy more fresh vegetables and exciting flavors. Here are a few more beloved recipes that I’m confident you’ll love adding to your culinary repertoire, each offering its own unique charm and taste profile:

Mom’s Marinated Vegetable Salad (pictured above)
Classic Creamy Broccoli Salad
Homemade Olive Garden Copycat Salad
Flavorful Chinese Chicken Salad
Hearty Antipasto Pasta Salad

I sincerely hope that you and your family enjoy this wonderful Italian Summer Salad as much as our family always has! It’s truly a recipe that brings people together and creates lasting memories around the table. Thank you for sharing this incredible recipe, Aunt Peg! Your spirit lives on in every delicious bite.

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Peg’s Salad – Italian Raw Veggie Salad

A delightful raw veggie salad featuring crunchy cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots, combined with savory mozzarella cheese, crispy bacon, and a creamy Italian dressing. A perfect, easy-to-make classic for picnics and potlucks.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Additional Time: 1 day (for chilling and marinating)

Total Time: 1 day 10 mins

Cuisine: American

Keywords: bacon, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, creamy Italian dressing, Italian Raw Veggie Salad, marinated salad, mozzarella cheese, Peg’s Salad, raw veggies, summer salad, potluck recipe

Servings: 8 – 10 servings

Calories: 116 kcal (per serving)

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Print Recipe

Ingredients

1 medium head cauliflower, chopped into uniform bite-sized florets
4 small bunches broccoli, chopped into uniform bite-sized florets
1 small package (approximately 8 ounces) baby carrots, chopped or shredded
1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
8 slices of bacon, fried until perfectly crispy and then crumbled (or one 9 ounce package of real bacon pieces)
1 (15 ounce) bottle of creamy Italian Dressing

Instructions

Chop the veggies into small, bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
Add in the crumbled bacon, toss well to combine.
Add in the shredded mozzarella cheese. Toss again thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
Pour in the entire bottle of creamy Italian dressing, then toss vigorously to coat all ingredients completely.
Refrigerate for at least 8 hours to allow flavors to meld and develop. For the best possible taste, I recommend preparing it the day before and chilling it for 24 hours.
Store any remaining salad in an airtight container in the fridge. Consume within 4 days for optimal freshness.

Notes

The original recipe called for Seven Seas Creamy Italian salad dressing, which can be difficult to find now. Excellent substitutes include Kraft Creamy Italian or Wish-Bone brand creamy Italian dressings, or your favorite creamy Italian variety.

Nutrition

This timeless recipe was originally shared in June of 2011, and received its first update on March 26, 2016. To further enhance the user experience and ensure its continued relevance, it has been thoroughly updated and proudly reshared once again on June 15, 2022. We hope you continue to enjoy this enduring family favorite for many years to come!