Depression Era Salad – Crisp, Tangy, and Timelessly Simple
Simple, affordable, and delicious, this Depression Era Salad is a taste of history that proves great flavor doesn’t have to be complicated. Born out of frugality and resourcefulness, this salad uses basic garden vegetables and a tangy-sweet vinegar dressing to create something refreshing and vibrant that lasts for weeks in the fridge. It’s perfect as a side dish, picnic staple, or anytime snack — crunchy, colorful, and full of old-fashioned goodness. 🥬🥒🧅
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 head cabbage, shredded
- 4 small cucumbers, sliced
- 2 green peppers, sliced (optional if you prefer to leave them out)
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bunch radishes, sliced
- ½ bunch celery, sliced
For the Dressing
- 1 cup oil (vegetable or light olive oil)
- ½ cup warm water
- 1½ cups white vinegar
- 10–12 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
