Salad Supreme: 8 Delicious Ways to Transform Your Salads
Introduction
Have you ever tossed together a pasta salad only to find it lacking that special something? That’s where Salad Supreme comes to the rescue. This iconic seasoning blend has been jazzing up salads and pasta dishes in American kitchens for decades, turning ordinary meals into flavor-packed favorites. I can confidently say that Salad Supreme has earned its place as a pantry staple for good reason.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this versatile McCormick seasoning – from its unique ingredient profile to creative ways to use it beyond the classic pasta salad. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, you’ll discover why this little jar of salad seasoning mix deserves a spot in your spice rack.
Classic Salad Supreme Pasta Salad
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining pasta
- large mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- knife
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pound tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 bell pepper any color, diced
- ½ red onion finely chopped
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- ½ cup black olives sliced
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese cubed
- 1 bottle 16 oz Italian dressing
- 3-4 tablespoons Salad Supreme seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, cucumber, black olives, and mozzarella cheese.
- Pour in the Italian dressing and sprinkle the [Salad Supreme] seasoning over the salad. Toss everything together until well coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best) to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, toss again and add more seasoning if desired.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
- Swap mozzarella for feta or cheddar for a different twist.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Customize with extra veggies like spinach, artichokes, or carrots.
- Best served chilled but can be enjoyed immediately after mixing.
Table of Contents
What Exactly Is Salad Supreme?
Salad Supreme is a premium seasoning blend produced by McCormick, designed primarily to enhance the flavor of salads and pasta dishes. This distinctive salad supreme seasoning combines a carefully crafted mix of herbs, spices, cheese, and seeds to create a unique flavor profile that’s simultaneously savory, slightly spicy, and satisfyingly complex.
The vibrant orange-red color of Salad Supreme comes primarily from paprika, making it not just a flavor enhancer but also a visual element that brightens up any dish it touches. While most commonly associated with pasta salads, this versatile salad seasoning mix can transform everything from green salads to roasted vegetables.
The Composition of Salad Supreme
Understanding the Salad Supreme ingredients helps explain its distinctive taste. The blend typically includes:
- Romano cheese (providing umami depth)
- Sesame seeds (adding texture and nutty notes)
- Paprika (for color and mild pepper flavor)
- Poppy seeds (for subtle crunch and visual interest)
- Celery seed (offering earthy undertones)
- Black pepper and red pepper (providing gentle heat)
- Garlic and other spices (for aromatic complexity)
This carefully balanced combination creates a seasoning that’s greater than the sum of its parts – which explains why attempts at a Salad Supreme substitute often fall short of the original.
Why Home Cooks Love Salad Supreme
I first discovered Salad Supreme at a neighborhood potluck where I couldn’t stop going back for more of a particularly addictive pasta salad. When I finally tracked down the cook for the recipe, she laughed and said, “It’s just tri-color rotini, Italian dressing, and Salad Supreme seasoning!”
That simplicity is precisely what makes this seasoning so beloved. With just a shake or two, it transforms basic ingredients into something special. Here’s why it’s earned a loyal following:
- Convenience factor: One bottle replaces numerous individual spices
- Consistent results: The balanced blend ensures reliable flavor every time
- Versatility: Works in countless recipes beyond just salads
- Time-saving: Eliminates the need to measure multiple seasonings
- Distinctive taste: Creates dishes with a recognizable, crowd-pleasing flavor
Classic Salad Supreme Pasta Salad Recipe
Let’s start with the dish that made Salad Supreme famous – the classic pasta salad. This potluck favorite never disappoints and can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1 bottle (16 oz) Italian dressing
- 3-4 tablespoons Salad Supreme seasoning
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with all vegetables and cheese.
- Add Italian dressing and Salad Supreme. Stir gently to combine.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better) to allow flavors to meld.
- Before serving, toss again and add more salad supreme seasoning if desired.
This simple recipe showcases how Salad Supreme can elevate basic ingredients into something spectacular. The seasoning adds depth, complexity, and a touch of heat that makes this pasta salad irresistible.
Beyond Pasta: Creative Ways to Use Salad Supreme
While pasta salad might be its claim to fame, limiting Salad Supreme to just one dish would be doing this versatile seasoning blend a disservice. Here are some inspired ways to incorporate it into your cooking repertoire:
For Green Salads
Sprinkle Salad Supreme over a simple green salad with olive oil and vinegar for an instant flavor upgrade. It pairs particularly well with crisp romaine, creamy avocado, and crunchy croutons.
Potato Dishes
Add Salad Supreme seasoning to potato salad for a zesty twist on the classic, or sprinkle it over roasted potatoes before they go into the oven. The paprika in the blend helps create a beautiful golden crust.
Veggie Boost
Dust steamed or roasted vegetables with Salad Supreme just before serving. Broccoli, cauliflower, and green beans especially benefit from its flavor profile.
Protein Enhancement
Use Salad Supreme as a dry rub for chicken before grilling, or mix it into ground beef for uniquely flavored burgers. The cheese and spice components create a delicious crust when cooked.
Dip Creation
Stir Salad Supreme seasoning into sour cream or Greek yogurt for an instant dip that’s perfect with fresh vegetables or pita chips.
Egg Dishes
Sprinkle Salad Supreme into scrambled eggs or omelettes for breakfast with a flavor punch. It also makes a wonderful addition to deviled eggs.
Making Your Own Salad Supreme Substitute
While the original McCormick Salad Supreme offers convenience and a perfectly balanced flavor profile, there may be times when you need a Salad Supreme substitute. Perhaps you’ve run out, or you need to accommodate dietary restrictions like dairy allergies (remember, Salad Supreme ingredients include Romano cheese).
Creating a homemade Salad Supreme seasoning recipe isn’t simple – the original contains a proprietary blend of numerous components. However, this approximation can work in a pinch:
Homemade Salad Supreme Substitute:
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon Romano cheese (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix thoroughly and store in an airtight container. While this Salad Supreme substitute won’t perfectly replicate the original, it captures the essential flavor profile that makes the seasoning so special.
Storage and Shelf Life
To maintain the freshness and flavor potency of your Salad Supreme seasoning, proper storage is essential. Because the blend contains cheese, Salad Supreme should be refrigerated after opening. Stored this way, it typically maintains peak quality for about 6-8 months.
Here are some signs that your Salad Supreme might be past its prime:
- Clumping or hardening of the blend
- Faded color (from vibrant orange-red to dull brown)
- Diminished aroma when you open the container
- Loss of flavor intensity in your dishes
Planning a Potluck with Salad Supreme
Salad Supreme shines brightest at gatherings, where its distinctive flavor can wow a crowd. If you’re planning a potluck menu featuring dishes with Salad Supreme seasoning, consider this complementary menu:
- Main Dish: Grilled chicken breasts marinated in Italian dressing and Salad Supreme
- Side Dish 1: Classic pasta salad with Salad Supreme
- Side Dish 2: Roasted potato wedges dusted with Salad Supreme
- Vegetable Option: Fresh green beans tossed with olive oil and Salad Supreme
- Starter: Deviled eggs topped with a sprinkle of Salad Supreme
This menu showcases the versatility of the seasoning while ensuring the flavors complement rather than compete with each other.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salad Supreme
What is Salad Supreme?
Salad Supreme is a seasoning blend by McCormick, used to add flavor to salads and pasta dishes. It contains ingredients like Romano cheese, sesame seeds, paprika, and various spices.
What are the ingredients in Salad Supreme?
The blend includes Romano cheese, sesame seeds, paprika, black pepper, red pepper, celery seed, poppy seeds, garlic, and other ingredients.
How do I use Salad Supreme in recipes?
It can be added to pasta salads, green salads, or other dishes to enhance flavor. A common use is in pasta salads with Italian dressing.
Does Salad Supreme need to be refrigerated?
Yes, after opening, it is recommended to store Salad Supreme in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Can I make Salad Supreme at home?
While possible, making Salad Supreme at home can be challenging due to the numerous ingredients involved. It is generally easier to purchase it pre-made.
What dishes pair well with Salad Supreme pasta salad?
It pairs well with main courses like baked salmon, chicken nuggets, or turkey burgers.
How long does pasta salad with Salad Supreme last in the fridge?
Pasta salad typically lasts about a week in the fridge, though vegetables may lose crunch over time.
Is Salad Supreme gluten-free?
Check the packaging for gluten-free claims, as McCormick products vary. Generally, McCormick encourages checking the label for the most accurate information.
Are there any allergens in Salad Supreme?
Yes, it contains sesame seeds and milk products, among other potential allergens. Always check the label for specific allergen warnings.
Can I substitute Salad Supreme with other seasonings?
While you can try to replicate the flavor with individual spices, Salad Supreme offers a unique blend that is difficult to match exactly.
Conclusion
From elevating a simple pasta salad to transforming mundane vegetables, Salad Supreme seasoning proves itself as much more than just another bottle in your spice collection. Its unique combination of Salad Supreme ingredients creates a flavor profile that’s distinctive, versatile, and consistently delicious.
Whether you’re reaching for the classic McCormick bottle or attempting your own Salad Supreme substitute, this seasoning blend deserves recognition for its ability to turn ordinary dishes into memorable ones with minimal effort.
I encourage you to experiment beyond the traditional pasta salad recipe. Try adding Salad Supreme to roasted vegetables, use it as a dry rub, or sprinkle it over your morning eggs. You might be surprised by how many dishes benefit from its distinctive flavor profile.
Do you have a favorite way to use Salad Supreme? I’d love to hear your creative applications in the comments below!
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