Gravel salad, also known as "Poor Man's Salad" or "Depression Salad," is an interesting dish with a unique combination of ingredients. It is believed to have originated in the United States during the Great Depression as a way to make a filling and nutritious meal from limited resources. The main component of gravel salad is crushed graham crackers or corn flakes, which are combined with a variety of other ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, marshmallows, and nuts. This unexpected mix of ingredients creates a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures. The name "gravel salad" comes from the resemblance of the crushed graham crackers or corn flakes to gravel. Despite its unusual name, gravel salad has become a nostalgic favorite for many people who grew up during the Depression era and is still enjoyed today as a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of people during difficult times.
Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!
CREAMY GRAPE SALAD
Everyone raves when I bring this refreshing, creamy grape salad to potlucks. For a special finishing touch, sprinkle it with brown sugar and pecans. -Marge Elling, Jenison, Michigan
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 20m
Yield 24 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar and vanilla until blended. Add grapes and toss to coat. , Transfer to a serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Sprinkle with brown sugar and pecans just before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 131 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 17mg cholesterol, Sodium 35mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (18g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.
GRAVEL SALAD
You could also call this bean salad Empedreado - which just means gravel or pavement in Spanish. Adjust the amount of the vinegar to suit your tastes.
Provided by Allrecipes Member
Categories Bean Salads
Time 15m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the garbanzo beans, black beans, pinto beans, corn, red pepper, chives, parsley, red onion, garlic, olive oil, vinegar and salt and pepper. Mix together well.
- For an elegant and delicious presentation, serve this salad with little toasts spread with olive paste and sliced tomatoes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 325.6 calories, Carbohydrate 45.6 g, Fat 11.8 g, Fiber 11.7 g, Protein 12.2 g, SaturatedFat 1.7 g, Sodium 407.5 mg, Sugar 2.5 g
GRAIN SALAD
Rather than cook the grains on the stove, Ree's tip is to use microwavable pre-cooked grains, to get this dish on the table in a matter of minutes.
Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network
Categories side-dish
Time 10m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- For the dressing: Add the oil, vinegar, Dijon, honey, oregano and garlic to a mason jar. Pop on the lid and give it a good shake to combine and emulsify. Set aside.
- For the salad ingredients: Add the baby kale to a large bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add 2 tablespoons of the dressing and toss to coat. Transfer to a serving platter. Add the grain blend to the bowl. Top with the roasted peppers, olives, banana peppers and half of the goat cheese. Add half of the remaining dressing, reserving the rest for another time, and toss to combine. Garnish the salad with the remaining goat cheese, then the basil and parsley.
GRAPE SALAD
Provided by Trisha Yearwood
Time 30m
Yield 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Wash the grapes and dry thoroughly with paper towels. Put the dry grapes in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, granulated sugar and vanilla. Mix well using an electric mixer. Pour this mixture over the grapes and toss together until all the grapes are coated. Chill in the refrigerator.
- Just before serving, sprinkle with the brown sugar and pecans.
GRAVEL SALAD
You could also call this bean salad Empedreado - which just means gravel or pavement in Spanish. Adjust the amount of the vinegar to suit your tastes.
Provided by Allrecipes Member
Categories Bean Salads
Time 15m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the garbanzo beans, black beans, pinto beans, corn, red pepper, chives, parsley, red onion, garlic, olive oil, vinegar and salt and pepper. Mix together well.
- For an elegant and delicious presentation, serve this salad with little toasts spread with olive paste and sliced tomatoes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 325.6 calories, Carbohydrate 45.6 g, Fat 11.8 g, Fiber 11.7 g, Protein 12.2 g, SaturatedFat 1.7 g, Sodium 407.5 mg, Sugar 2.5 g
GRAVEL SALAD
You could also call this bean salad Empedreado - which just means gravel or pavement in Spanish. Adjust the amount of the vinegar to suit your tastes.
Provided by Allrecipes Member
Categories Bean Salads
Time 15m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the garbanzo beans, black beans, pinto beans, corn, red pepper, chives, parsley, red onion, garlic, olive oil, vinegar and salt and pepper. Mix together well.
- For an elegant and delicious presentation, serve this salad with little toasts spread with olive paste and sliced tomatoes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 325.6 calories, Carbohydrate 45.6 g, Fat 11.8 g, Fiber 11.7 g, Protein 12.2 g, SaturatedFat 1.7 g, Sodium 407.5 mg, Sugar 2.5 g
Tips:
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh, ripe vegetables and fruits for the best flavor and texture in your Gravel Salad.
- Use a Variety of Colors and Textures: Incorporate an array of colorful vegetables, such as red tomatoes, green cucumbers, and orange carrots. Additionally, mix crunchy elements like celery and radishes with softer ones like avocado and grapes for a delightful textural contrast.
- Don't Overdress: Keep the dressing simple and balanced. A drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, a touch of salt, and a pinch of pepper usually suffice. Overdressing can overpower the natural flavors of the vegetables.
- Use a Good Quality Cheese: If you're adding cheese to your salad, opt for a high-quality variety that will enhance the overall flavor. Feta, Parmesan, and crumbled goat cheese are popular choices.
- Chill Before Serving: For a refreshing salad, chill it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become crisp and cool.
Conclusion:
Gravel Salad is a versatile and refreshing dish that can be enjoyed as a light meal or a side dish. With its vibrant colors, diverse textures, and delightful flavors, it's sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you prefer a classic recipe or a more creative twist, there's a Gravel Salad variation perfect for your taste. So experiment with different ingredients and dressings, and discover the joy of creating your own unique culinary masterpiece.
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