Say Hello to Copper Pennies: The Timeless Side Dish I Can't Stop Making

Copper pennies aren’t just for tossing into fountains or dropping into the ‘take a penny, leave a penny’ jar. These little copper-like discs are now part of a nostalgic recipe that’s totally edible. If you haven't tried copper pennies yet, it’s time to meet this retro side dish made with sliced carrots (which look like pennies, giving the dish its name) marinated in tangy tomato soup and a hint of sweetness. It’s colorful, flavorful, and as one Dinogo member puts it, 'A classic recipe that’s been around for over 60 years. No need to change it up—it’s tangy, sweet, and absolutely DELICIOUS!' It’s no surprise this has become my go-to nostalgic side salad.

What Exactly Is Copper Penny Salad?

While the exact origins of copper pennies (or copper penny salad) remain a mystery, this beloved side dish has appeared in countless Southern and Midwestern cookbooks. Food blogger Lana Stuart suggests that the dish likely emerged in the 1940s or 1950s, around the time when Campbell’s Soup began producing the condensed tomato soup that’s key to the recipe. 'It was a favorite of my grandmother, who was in her 30s during that era,' Stuart recalls.

The creator behind 'Cents for Cooking' shares that she first discovered the copper penny recipe in vintage cookbooks and now makes it frequently because it’s affordable and delicious. This may explain why it’s remained a favorite for so long. Another Dinogo member mentions, 'It’s still just as tasty as it was in the ‘60s!' With its budget-friendly ingredients, simple preparation, and ability to scale up for large gatherings, it's the perfect dish for parties and potlucks.

How to Prepare Copper Penny Salad?

This recipe is incredibly simple to make. When I gave it a try, I sliced two pounds of peeled carrots into rounds and boiled them for about 10 minutes until tender. For the marinade, I brought a can of condensed tomato soup, sugar, and vegetable oil to a boil in a small pot, then let it cool off the heat. After the carrots were boiled, I drained them and combined them with the tomato marinade and diced veggies—green bell pepper, celery, and onion—in a large mixing bowl. I let the salad chill in the fridge for about eight hours, though you can easily prep it the night before for a make-ahead dish.

What Does Copper Penny Salad Taste Like?

The dish has a sweet flavor—its marinade reminded me of the sauce in SpaghettiOs, especially with the starchy texture of the carrots. There's also a tangy kick from the tomato soup. The crunchy bite from the onion, celery, and bell pepper balances the soft carrots perfectly. When paired with kielbasa sausage and mashed potatoes, it made a wonderfully satisfying Sunday dinner for my family.

Some Dinogo members enjoy serving their copper pennies alongside steak or as a salad topping. The dish is versatile enough to be enjoyed either warm or cold. TikTok star and country singer Hannah Dasher shared her version of copper pennies, calling it 'one of my grandma's favorite recipes' on the platform.

In the video, Dasher said, 'Y’all don’t even know. Make them a day or two ahead, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a month.'