Mixed Salads

Mixed Salads Recipe from Afghanistan | Mayonnaise, Yogurt, Mint, and Apple Cider Vinegar

Region / culture: Afghanistan | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mixed salads are a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a side or a main course. This recipe combines the creaminess of mayonnaise with the tanginess of yogurt, creating a refreshing and flavorful dressing.

History

Mixed salads have been enjoyed for centuries, with variations found in cuisines around the world. This particular recipe combines traditional ingredients with a modern twist, creating a unique and tasty dish.

Ingredients

1 cup of mayonnaise
0.25 cup of yogurt
1 tsp of Dry mint
1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp of water
0.5 tsp of salt

How to prepare

In a food processor, combine mayonnaise with plain yogurt. (You can substitute low fat or non-fat yogurt here if desired).
Next, add apple cider vinegar, water, salt, and dry, crushed mint leaves.
The consistency should be smooth and creamy when finished.

Variations

You can customize this mixed salad by adding additional ingredients such as diced vegetables, nuts, or dried fruits. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to create a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of this mixed salad, be sure to use fresh ingredients and adjust the seasonings to taste. You can also add additional herbs or spices for a more personalized touch.

Serving Suggestions

This mixed salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making this mixed salad is to blend the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a lighter version of this mixed salad, you can use low-fat or non-fat yogurt in place of the mayonnaise. You can also substitute white vinegar for the apple cider vinegar.

Make Ahead Tips

This mixed salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to stir well before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this mixed salad in a decorative bowl or on a bed of lettuce for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for added color.

Pairing Recommendations

This mixed salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or a simple green salad. It also goes well with crusty bread or crackers.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving. This mixed salad is best served chilled.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 210 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 2g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 22g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 1g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This mixed salad is a good source of Vitamin E and Vitamin K.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and dairy.

Summary

This mixed salad is a creamy and flavorful dish that is relatively low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats. It is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This mixed salad is a creamy and flavorful dish that is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy it as a side dish or a light meal for a refreshing and satisfying dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, many years ago, when I stumbled upon it in an old cookbook that had been tucked away in the back of my kitchen cupboard. The pages were yellowed and fragile, but as I flipped through them, I knew I had discovered something special.

The recipe was for mixed salads, a delightful combination of fresh, colorful vegetables tossed together with a tangy vinaigrette dressing. It was a simple dish, but one that could be endlessly customized and made into something truly unique with just a few ingredients.

I had always loved cooking, ever since I was a young girl watching my own grandmother in the kitchen. She was a master in the culinary arts, and I had spent many hours by her side, soaking up her knowledge and learning the secrets of her delicious recipes.

But it wasn't until I found that recipe for mixed salads that I truly felt like I had found my own culinary voice. The vibrant colors of the vegetables, the zesty flavors of the dressing, and the endless possibilities for creativity in the dish all spoke to me in a way that no other recipe had before.

I set to work gathering all the ingredients I would need to make the salad – crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, and a variety of fresh herbs. I carefully washed and chopped each vegetable, taking my time to ensure that everything was just right.

As I mixed the vegetables together in a large bowl, I could already see the beautiful array of colors coming together. The reds, greens, yellows, and oranges all mingled together in a tantalizing display of freshness and flavor.

Next came the dressing – a simple combination of olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and herbs. I whisked it together until it was smooth and creamy, then poured it over the salad, tossing everything together until each vegetable was coated in the tangy vinaigrette.

I took a bite and was immediately transported to a world of taste and texture. The crispness of the lettuce, the juiciness of the tomatoes, the crunch of the cucumbers – each bite was a symphony of flavors that danced on my tongue.

I knew then that this recipe for mixed salads was something special, something that I would cherish and pass down to future generations. I made it often for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties, and each time it was met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

Over the years, I have continued to experiment with different variations of the salad – adding in new vegetables, trying out different dressings, and even incorporating grains and proteins to make it a complete meal. But no matter how I change it up, the basic recipe for mixed salads will always hold a special place in my heart.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day when I first discovered the recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the joy and fulfillment that cooking has brought me over the years. And as I prepare to make another batch of mixed salads for dinner tonight, I know that the memory of finding that recipe will always bring a smile to my face.