Marinated Vegetable Salad

Marinated Vegetable Salad Recipe - Fresh and Flavorful Salad Bursting with Nutrients

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Marinated Vegetable Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. The combination of fresh vegetables, tangy dressing, and fluffy rice makes this salad a crowd-pleaser.

History

Marinated Vegetable Salad has been a popular dish for many years, with variations of the recipe found in different cultures around the world. The combination of marinating vegetables in a flavorful dressing is a great way to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Ingredients

0.25 cup of olive oil
0.25 cup of dry white wine
2 tbsp of red wine vinegar
1 tbsp of chopped fresh parsley
0.5 tsp of sugar
0.25 tsp of salt
0.25 tsp of crushed dried basil leaves
1 cup of avocado chunks
1 cup of sliced fresh mushrooms
0.75 cup of halved cherry tomatoes
0.5 cup of sliced ripe olives
0.33 cup of chopped red onion
3 cups of cooked rice, cooled
red onion rings for garnish

How to prepare

For the dressing, combine oil, wine, vinegar, parsley, sugar, salt, and basil in a screw top jar.
Pour the dressing over avocado, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and onion in a shallow pan. Cover and chill for 2 to 3 hours.
Add rice and toss lightly. Garnish with red onion rings.

Variations

Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.
Swap out the rice for quinoa or couscous for a different texture.
Include different vegetables such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or zucchini.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use fresh and ripe vegetables for the best flavor.

- Allow the salad to marinate for at least 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables or add protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Marinated Vegetable Salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it on its own as a light and refreshing lunch.

Cooking Techniques

Marinating the vegetables in the dressing allows the flavors to develop and meld together, creating a delicious and flavorful salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or swap out ingredients based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions.

Make Ahead Tips

This Marinated Vegetable Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to add the avocado right before serving to prevent browning.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, and red onion rings for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This Marinated Vegetable Salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or as a side dish for a picnic or barbecue.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Enjoy cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Marinated Vegetable Salad contains approximately 250 calories, making it a light and satisfying dish.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this Marinated Vegetable Salad mainly come from the rice and vegetables. The rice provides a good source of complex carbohydrates, while the vegetables add fiber and essential nutrients.

Fats

The olive oil in the dressing provides healthy fats that are essential for overall health. Avocado also adds healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.

Proteins

While this salad is not high in protein, you can easily add protein by including grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Protein is essential for muscle repair and overall health.

Vitamins and minerals

This Marinated Vegetable Salad is packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables. Avocado provides potassium, vitamin E, and healthy fats, while mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D and B vitamins.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens, but be sure to check for any specific allergies to ingredients such as avocado, mushrooms, or olives.

Summary

Overall, this Marinated Vegetable Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Marinated Vegetable Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. Packed with fresh vegetables, fluffy rice, and a tangy dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of awe. It was a warm summer day, and I had been invited to a potluck picnic by some dear friends. As I arrived at the park, I was immediately drawn to the vibrant colors and fresh aromas of the various dishes spread out on the picnic tables. But it was the Marinated Vegetable Salad that caught my eye.

I watched as my friend, Mrs. Jenkins, carefully prepared the salad, tossing colorful vegetables in a tangy marinade. The sight of the crisp bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers mixed together in perfect harmony was mesmerizing. I couldn't wait to taste it.

As I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of flavors and textures that I had never experienced before. The vegetables were perfectly seasoned, with a hint of sweetness from the honey and a kick of spice from the red pepper flakes. The tangy marinade brought everything together in a symphony of taste that left me craving more.

I immediately asked Mrs. Jenkins for the recipe, eager to recreate this culinary masterpiece in my own kitchen. She smiled and handed me a worn piece of paper, explaining that the recipe had been passed down through her family for generations. I felt honored to have been entrusted with such a treasure.

That evening, I set to work in my kitchen, carefully following the instructions on the recipe card. I chopped the vegetables with precision, ensuring that each piece was uniform in size. I mixed together the marinade, tasting and adjusting until it was just right.

As the salad marinated in the fridge, the flavors melding together to create a symphony of taste, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. I had unlocked the secret to Mrs. Jenkins' Marinated Vegetable Salad, and I knew that it would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made the Marinated Vegetable Salad countless times, each batch a little different from the last as I experimented with new ingredients and techniques. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of this beloved dish.

But no matter how many times I make it, the magic of that first taste at the potluck picnic will always stay with me. It was the moment that sparked my love for cooking and ignited a passion for creating delicious and memorable meals for those I care about.

As I sit here now, surrounded by the comforting smells of garlic and herbs wafting from the pot on the stove, I am grateful for the journey that led me to this recipe. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.

And so, I will continue to cook and create, drawing inspiration from the recipes and stories that have been passed down to me. For in each dish lies a piece of history, a connection to the past, and a promise of a future filled with love, laughter, and delicious food.