Vegetable Salad

Vegetable salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that combines crisp vegetables with a zesty and flavorful dressing. This salad is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish or a light and healthy meal option.

Why Make This Recipe

Making a vegetable salad is a great way to incorporate a variety of fresh vegetables into your diet. It’s a simple and effective way to boost your intake of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, the homemade dressing adds a burst of flavor that elevates the dish.

How to Make Vegetable Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 English cucumbers
• 2 green bell peppers
• 1 small red onion
• 2 pints cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons parsley
• 4 ounces feta cheese (crumbled)
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 lemon (juiced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

1. To make the dressing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and ground black pepper.
2. Prepare the vegetables:
   • Dice the cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Chop the parsley.
3. Assemble the salad:
   • Place all the chopped vegetables in a large bowl. Add the crumbled feta cheese.
   • Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to combine.
4. Refrigerate:
   • Refrigerate the salad for 2 hours before serving to allow the vegetables to soak up the flavors of the dressing.

How to Serve Vegetable Salad

Serve the vegetable salad chilled as a side dish or a light main course. It pairs well with grilled proteins, sandwiches, or as a standalone meal. Garnish with additional parsley or feta cheese if desired.

How to Store Vegetable Salad

Store any leftover vegetable salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to stir the salad before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Tips to Make Vegetable Salad

• Use fresh and ripe vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust the seasoning of the dressing to suit your taste preferences.
• Feel free to add other vegetables or toppings like olives, avocado, or nuts for extra variety.

Variation

For a vegan version of the vegetable salad, omit the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative. You can also customize the salad by adding different herbs or experimenting with different types of vinegar in the dressing.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
2. Can I substitute the feta cheese with another type of cheese?
   • Yes, feel free to use goat cheese, mozzarella, or any cheese of your choice.
3. Can I add protein to the salad?
   • Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas are excellent additions to make the salad more filling and satisfying.

Enjoy this simple and delicious vegetable salad as a healthy and flavorful addition to your meals!