Marinated Garden Salad

Marinated Garden Salad Recipe - Fresh and Delicious

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Marinated Garden Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. This salad is packed with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

History

The Marinated Garden Salad recipe has been passed down through generations in many families. It is a classic dish that is often served at picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings. The combination of fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing has made this salad a favorite among many.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp dry white wine
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tsp chopped fresh parsley
0.25 tsp sugar
0.13 tsp salt
0.13 tsp basil leaves
0.75 cup broccoli florets
0.75 cup diagonally sliced yellow squash
0.5 cup chopped red pepper
0.25 cup julienned carrots
2 cups cooked rice (cooked in chicken broth), cooled
lettuce leaves

How to prepare

Dressing

In a screw-top jar, combine oil, wine, vinegar, parsley, sugar, salt, and basil.

Assembly

In a shallow dish, pour the dressing over broccoli, squash, pepper, and carrots.
Cover and chill for 2 to 3 hours.
Add rice and toss lightly.
Serve on lettuce leaves.

Variations

Add some crumbled feta cheese or sliced olives for an extra burst of flavor.
Substitute the vegetables in this recipe with your favorites such as cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to chill the salad for at least 2 to 3 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- You can customize this salad by adding your favorite vegetables or protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp.

- Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the dressing to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Marinated Garden Salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a crusty bread or a light soup.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making this Marinated Garden Salad is to allow the vegetables to marinate in the dressing for a few hours before serving. This will help the flavors to develop and create a delicious and refreshing salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe by using your favorite vegetables or protein. You can also adjust the seasonings in the dressing to suit your taste preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply toss the vegetables with the dressing and enjoy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this Marinated Garden Salad on a bed of lettuce leaves for a beautiful presentation. You can also garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea. It also goes well with grilled meats or seafood for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this Marinated Garden Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply allow the salad to come to room temperature or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 200 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 10g per serving

Saturated Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 15g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

This Marinated Garden Salad is a healthy and nutritious dish that is low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Marinated Garden Salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for any occasion. Packed with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Helen's house for lunch. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I could smell the fresh herbs and vegetables that she was chopping up for the salad.

Helen explained to me that the recipe for the Marinated Garden Salad was passed down to her from her grandmother, who was known for her delicious and healthy dishes. She told me that the key to the salad was the marinated dressing, which was made with a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and a blend of herbs.

As I watched Helen prepare the salad, I couldn't help but be amazed at how effortlessly she moved around the kitchen, chopping, mixing, and tasting as she went along. She told me stories of how her grandmother would spend hours in the garden, picking fresh vegetables and herbs to use in her cooking.

I was inspired by Helen's passion for cooking and her dedication to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. I knew that I had to learn how to make this Marinated Garden Salad for myself.

After lunch, Helen graciously shared the recipe with me. She explained each step in detail, from preparing the dressing to marinating the vegetables. I took notes diligently, making sure to capture every little detail that Helen shared with me.

The next day, I went to the farmer's market and gathered all the ingredients I needed to make the salad. I spent the afternoon in my own kitchen, chopping, mixing, and marinating just like Helen had shown me.

As the salad sat in the fridge, marinating in its delicious dressing, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. I had learned a new recipe, one that had been passed down through generations, and I couldn't wait to share it with my own family.

When dinner time rolled around, I proudly served the Marinated Garden Salad to my family. As they took their first bites, their faces lit up with delight. The flavors were fresh and vibrant, and the dressing added the perfect amount of tanginess to the vegetables.

From that day on, the Marinated Garden Salad became a staple in our household. I made it for every family gathering, every potluck, and every summer barbecue. Each time I made the salad, I thought of Helen and her grandmother, and I felt a connection to them through the simple act of cooking.

Years passed, and I continued to make the Marinated Garden Salad, tweaking the recipe here and there to make it my own. I added a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, and I experimented with different herbs and vegetables to change up the flavors.

As I shared the recipe with friends and family, they too fell in love with the Marinated Garden Salad. They would ask me for the recipe, and I would happily pass it along, just like Helen had done for me.

To this day, the Marinated Garden Salad remains one of my favorite dishes to make. It reminds me of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to connect us to our past.

So, the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, looking for a new recipe to try, I urge you to give the Marinated Garden Salad a chance. Not only is it delicious and healthy, but it also carries with it a rich history of family traditions and love. And who knows, maybe one day you'll pass it along to someone special, just like I did.