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Copper Pennies Recipe

4.9 from 86 reviews

Copper Pennies is a refreshing and tangy vegetable salad featuring tender boiled carrots, onions, bell peppers, and celery tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce made from condensed tomato soup, white sugar, vinegar, and vegetable oil. This classic side dish is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a vibrant accompaniment to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 2 pounds carrots, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 stalk celery, chopped

Sauce

  • 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
  • ⅔ cup white sugar
  • ½ cup distilled white vinegar
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Gather Ingredients: Collect all ingredients including the sliced carrots, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, and chopped celery, along with the condensed tomato soup, white sugar, distilled vinegar, and vegetable oil.
  2. Prepare Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the condensed tomato soup, white sugar, distilled white vinegar, and vegetable oil. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring well to blend the ingredients. Once boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the sauce to cool to room temperature.
  3. Boil Carrots: While preparing the sauce, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the sliced carrots to the boiling water and cook until just tender, approximately 10 minutes. Avoid overcooking to maintain a pleasant texture.
  4. Drain and Combine: Drain the cooked carrots thoroughly and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the bowl. Pour the cooled tomato soup mixture over the vegetables, stirring gently to ensure all vegetables are evenly coated.
  5. Chill: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to marinate in the tangy sauce.
  6. Serve: After chilling, give the salad a gentle stir and serve chilled as a flavorful side dish at your meal.

Notes

  • This salad can be prepared a day ahead, making it ideal for gatherings and events.
  • If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar slightly to taste.
  • The texture of the carrots is key; do not overcook them to prevent mushiness.
  • Variations can include adding diced cucumber or shredded cabbage for extra crunch.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Copper Pennies, carrot salad, tomato soup salad, tangy vegetable salad, potluck side dish, chilled salad