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–+ servings
Model Salad
Model Salad is a refreshing, tangy, and savory salad featuring pimentos, onion, celery, pickles, and sliced hard-boiled eggs, all brought together with a creamy dressing. This classic vintage salad has its roots in mid-century American cuisine, where molded salads and colorful combinations were highly popular for potlucks, picnics, and holiday gatherings. The vibrant pimentos and crunchy vegetables balance beautifully with the rich eggs, making it a versatile side dish perfect for festive spreads or family meals.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course salads
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 145 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 oz pimentos (1 can, drained and chopped)
  • 1 onion (medium, finely chopped)
  • 1 bunch celery (chopped, about 2 cups)
  • 4 dill pickles (small, finely chopped)
  • 6 hard-boiled eggs (sliced)
  • ½ cup creamy salad dressing ( or mayonnaise)
  • salt (to taste)
  • pepper (to taste)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

  • Drain and chop the pimentos.
  • Finely chop the onion, celery, and pickles.
  • Boil, peel, and slice the eggs.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

  • In a large mixing bowl, add the pimentos, onion, celery, pickles, and sliced eggs.

Step 3: Add Dressing

  • Pour in the dressing or mayonnaise.
  • Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

  • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Serve cold, garnished with extra pimentos or celery leaves if desired.

Tips

  • Use sweet or sour pickles depending on taste preference
  • Add mayonnaise or salad dressing as binder (typical for era if not explicitly written)
  • Chill for at least one hour for flavors to meld
  • Serve over lettuce leaves or in tomato cups for classic presentation
  • Sprinkle with paprika for color
  • Substitute green onions for milder onion flavor
  • Add diced potatoes to turn into a hearty salad
  • Use pickle relish instead of chopped pickles for finer texture
  • Add a small amount of mustard to sharpen flavor
  • Serve as sandwich filling in soft rolls

Nutrition

Calories: 145kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 7gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 180mgSodium: 310mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 1.1mg
Keyword 1950s salad, egg salad variation, handwritten recipe, model salad, pickle salad, pimento salad, retro potluck, vintage recipe
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