Classic Vegetable Salad Recipe

Classic Vegetable Salad Recipe

Introduction

A Classic Vegetable Salad is simple, delicious, and bursting with nutrients. Made with a variety of fresh vegetables, this salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish to complement any main course. The tangy dressing ties everything together, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the salad:

• 1 cup (about 150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), diced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, peeled and julienned
• 1 cup (about 100g) sweet corn kernels (fresh or canned)
• 1/2 cup (about 50g) black olives, sliced (optional)
• 1/2 cup (about 60g) feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• 2 cups mixed greens (e.g., spinach, arugula, or lettuce)

For the dressing:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice for a tangy variation)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• Fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, basil, or dill) for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables:

1. Begin by washing all the vegetables thoroughly.
2. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, chop the cucumber, dice the bell pepper, and slice the red onion thinly.
3. Peel and julienne the carrot. If using canned corn, drain and rinse it. If using fresh corn, steam or boil it for a few minutes and let it cool.
4. If using olives and feta cheese, slice the olives and crumble the feta.

2. Assemble the salad:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, carrot, corn, and olives (if using).
2. Toss gently to combine all the vegetables and distribute them evenly.

3. Prepare the dressing:

1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice), Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, pepper, and dried oregano (if using).
2. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning as necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar depending on your preferences.

4. Dress the salad:

1. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss the salad gently to coat the vegetables evenly in the dressing.

5. Serve and garnish:

1. Transfer the salad to serving bowls or plates.
2. Garnish with crumbled feta and fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill for an added burst of flavor.

Tips for Success

• Vegetable variations: Feel free to add or remove vegetables based on your preferences. You can include ingredients like avocado, radishes, or even roasted vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
• Meal prep: This salad can be made ahead of time, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.
• Vegan option: To make this salad vegan, skip the feta cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
• Extra crunch: Add some seeds or nuts (such as sunflower seeds, almonds, or pumpkin seeds) for an extra crunch.

Conclusion

This Classic Vegetable Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and flavor. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion—whether you’re serving it as a side or making it the star of your meal. With its simple ingredients and tangy dressing, it’s sure to be a hit!

Would you like suggestions for additional protein-rich ingredients, like grilled chicken or chickpeas, to make this salad more filling? 😊