Lemon-Dijon Salad of Winter Vegetables

Lemon-Dijon Salad of Winter Vegetables Recipe | Vegetarian Food

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

This Lemon-Dijon Salad of Winter Vegetables is a refreshing and vibrant dish that is perfect for the colder months. Packed with a variety of vegetables and a zesty dressing, this salad is sure to brighten up any meal.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on a classic winter salad. The combination of blanched and raw vegetables gives this dish a unique texture and flavor profile that is both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients

0.5 head cauliflower, cut into uniform-sized florets
1 small crown broccoli, cut into uniform-sized florets
12 pre-peeled baby carrots
3 oz (85 g) sugar snap peas, optional
3 oz (85 g) snow pea greens, optional
1 tbsp dijon mustard
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 large clove garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
0.5 bunch radishes, stemmed, and thinly sliced
3 scallions, ends trimmed, all white and about 2 inches of green, thinly sliced
0.5 bunch parsley, minced

How to prepare

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the cauliflower for 2 minutes.
Drain the cauliflower well and rinse it with cold water.
Refill the pot, blot the drained cauliflower dry, and roll the florets up in a paper towel.
Place the cauliflower in a plastic bag and refrigerate it.
Repeat the procedure with the broccoli.
Refill the pot and bring it to a boil again.
Place the snow pea greens in a colander and set them aside in the kitchen sink.
Blanch the carrots and pour the carrot water over the greens to wilt them slightly.
Repeat the cold water-blot-refrigerate treatment with the carrots, sugar snap peas, and snow pea greens, if using.
Meanwhile, 1 hour before serving, combine the mustard, lemon juice, and garlic in a large salad bowl.
Whisk in the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Put all the blanched and raw vegetables in the bowl.
Toss them, season with salt and pepper again, and serve.

Variations

Add roasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
Swap out the vegetables for your favorites, such as bell peppers or cherry tomatoes.
Try different herbs in the dressing, such as basil or mint.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to blanch the vegetables for just the right amount of time to maintain their crispness.

- Refrigerating the blanched vegetables before serving helps to keep them fresh and crunchy.

- The zesty lemon-Dijon dressing adds a burst of flavor to the vegetables, so be sure to toss them well to evenly coat.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a side dish or as a light main course. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Blanching the vegetables helps to soften them slightly while still maintaining their crunch. This technique also helps to preserve the vibrant colors of the vegetables.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap out any of the vegetables in this recipe for your favorites. You can also use a different type of vinegar in place of the lemon juice for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can blanch the vegetables and make the dressing ahead of time, then simply toss everything together right before serving. This salad is best enjoyed fresh.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this salad in a large bowl or on a platter for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, seafood, or even a hearty soup. It also makes a great addition to a holiday meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to toss well before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Lemon-Dijon Salad of Winter Vegetables contains approximately 150 calories, making it a light and nutritious option for any meal.

Carbohydrates

This salad is a great source of carbohydrates, with the cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, and peas providing a healthy dose of fiber and energy.

Fats

The olive oil in the dressing adds healthy fats to this dish, providing essential nutrients and helping to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Proteins

While this salad is primarily vegetable-based, the addition of greens and parsley adds a small amount of protein to the dish.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the lemon juice and parsley, as well as vitamin A from the carrots and broccoli.

Alergens

This recipe contains mustard and garlic, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving.

Summary

Overall, this salad is a healthy and nutritious option that is low in calories and packed with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This Lemon-Dijon Salad of Winter Vegetables is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. Packed with a variety of vegetables and a zesty dressing, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a cold winter day, with snow falling gently outside, creating a magical winter wonderland. I had just come back from a trip to the farmer's market, where I had picked up an assortment of fresh winter vegetables. As I unpacked my bags, I found a handwritten note tucked away in one of the bags. It was a recipe for Lemon-Dijon Salad of Winter Vegetables, and I knew I had to try it.

I have always been drawn to trying new recipes and experimenting in the kitchen. Cooking has been my passion for as long as I can remember, and I have spent countless hours perfecting my craft. Over the years, I have collected recipes from various places and people, each one holding a special place in my heart.

As I read through the recipe, I could almost taste the flavors jumping off the page. The combination of tangy lemon and savory Dijon mustard, paired with the hearty winter vegetables, sounded like a match made in culinary heaven. I knew that this recipe would be a hit with my family, and I couldn't wait to get started.

I gathered all the ingredients listed in the recipe and set to work preparing the salad. I started by roasting the vegetables in the oven, allowing their natural sugars to caramelize and intensify their flavors. The kitchen filled with the warm, earthy aroma of roasted vegetables, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Next, I whipped up the dressing, combining fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a drizzle of honey for sweetness. The tangy, zesty dressing was the perfect complement to the rich, roasted vegetables, adding a burst of brightness to each bite.

As I tossed the vegetables in the dressing, the colors and textures came together beautifully. The vibrant oranges of the carrots, the deep greens of the Brussels sprouts, and the creamy whites of the parsnips created a stunning visual feast. I sprinkled some toasted walnuts on top for crunch, and a handful of fresh herbs for a pop of freshness.

When I served the Lemon-Dijon Salad of Winter Vegetables to my family that evening, their eyes lit up with delight. They took their first bites, savoring the explosion of flavors in their mouths. The tangy lemon, the sharp Dijon mustard, the sweet honey, and the roasted vegetables all worked together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that was both comforting and exciting.

My family raved about the salad, asking for seconds and thirds. They couldn't believe how such simple ingredients could come together to create such a delicious and satisfying dish. I smiled with pride, knowing that I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a staple in our household for years to come.

Since that day, the Lemon-Dijon Salad of Winter Vegetables has become a favorite in our family. It is a dish that we look forward to each winter, when the cold weather calls for something warm and comforting. The recipe has been passed down through the generations, with each member of our family putting their own spin on it.

I am grateful for the serendipitous moment that led me to discover this recipe. It has brought joy and laughter to our family gatherings, and has become a symbol of the love and care that goes into each meal I prepare. Cooking is not just about nourishing our bodies, but also about nourishing our souls, and this recipe has certainly done that for us.

As I sit here, recalling that fateful winter day, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasures that cooking has brought into my life. The joy of discovering a new recipe, the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch, and the happiness of sharing a meal with loved ones – these are the moments that make life truly special.

And so, as I continue to explore new recipes and flavors, I will always hold a special place in my heart for the Lemon-Dijon Salad of Winter Vegetables. It is a reminder of the magic that can happen in the kitchen, and the joy that comes from creating something beautiful and delicious to share with those we love.