Scottish Homemade Salad
Scottish Homemade Salad is a simple, fresh, and comforting dish that reflects traditional Scottish home cooking—honest ingredients, seasonal produce, and straightforward preparation. Unlike heavily dressed modern salads, this classic version focuses on crisp vegetables, a light homemade dressing, and hearty additions that make it satisfying enough to serve as a side or a light meal.
Often found alongside cold cuts, pies, or a ploughman-style lunch, Scottish salad is all about freshness, balance, and practicality.
What Makes a Salad “Scottish”?
Scottish homemade salads are typically:
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Simple and unfussy
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Made with locally available vegetables
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Lightly dressed, never overdressed
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Served as a side to meats, fish, or baked goods
Rather than exotic ingredients, the emphasis is on freshness and texture, letting the vegetables shine.
Ingredients
Salad Base
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2 cups lettuce (iceberg, butterhead, or mixed leaves)
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1 large tomato, sliced
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½ cucumber, sliced
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2 spring onions, finely chopped
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1 small carrot, grated
Optional Traditional Add-Ins
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2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
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Cooked beetroot, sliced
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Cheese cubes (cheddar or mature Scottish cheese)
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Cold ham or chicken pieces
Classic Scottish Salad Dressing
This light dressing is traditional and lets the vegetables stay crisp and fresh.
Ingredients
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3 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 tablespoon white vinegar or malt vinegar
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1 teaspoon sugar
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Method
Whisk all ingredients together until the sugar dissolves. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and dry all vegetables thoroughly. Tear or chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Slice tomatoes and cucumber evenly for a neat presentation.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
Place the lettuce in a large bowl. Add tomatoes, cucumber, spring onions, and grated carrot. Gently toss to combine.
Step 3: Add Extras (Optional)
If using eggs, beetroot, cheese, or cold meats, arrange them on top or gently fold them through the salad.
Step 4: Dress and Serve
Drizzle the dressing lightly over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat—avoid overmixing.
Serve immediately for best texture and freshness.
Tips for the Best Scottish Salad
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Keep the dressing light—Scottish salads should never be soggy
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Chill vegetables before assembling for extra crispness
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Use seasonal produce whenever possible
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Add beetroot for colour and sweetness
Serving Suggestions
Scottish Homemade Salad pairs perfectly with:
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Steak pie or sausage rolls
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Cold cuts or ham
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Grilled fish or smoked salmon
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Cheese and oatcakes
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A ploughman-style lunch
It’s equally suitable for picnics, family dinners, or light summer meals.
Storage
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Best eaten fresh
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Undressed salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours
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Keep dressing separate until serving
Simple, Fresh, and Comforting
Scottish Homemade Salad proves that great food doesn’t need to be complicated. Crisp vegetables, a gentle dressing, and optional hearty additions make this a versatile dish that fits effortlessly into everyday meals. Whether served as a side or enjoyed on its own, it brings freshness and balance to the table in true Scottish style.