Mixed Vegetable Salad Recipe - USA

Mixed Vegetable Salad

Mixed Vegetable Salad Recipe - USA
Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mixed Vegetable Salad
Mixed Vegetable Salad

Mixed vegetable salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a main meal. This salad is packed with a variety of fresh vegetables and a flavorful homemade dressing that will tantalize your taste buds.

History

Vegetable salads have been enjoyed for centuries, with different variations found in cuisines around the world. The concept of mixing different vegetables together in a salad likely originated from the need to use up leftover vegetables and create a healthy and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. In a bowl, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, Italian seasoning, oregano, rosemary, salt, pepper, garlic, basil, and marjoram.
  2. Pour the dressing over the vegetables, toss to coat, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
  3. To serve, drain the vegetables using a slotted spoon.

Variations

  • Add some cooked quinoa or chickpeas for added protein and fiber.
  • Top the salad with some crumbled feta cheese or toasted nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use a variety of colorful vegetables to make your salad visually appealing.

- Be sure to chop your vegetables into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

- Refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Feel free to customize the dressing with your favorite herbs and spices.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this mixed vegetable salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a great mixed vegetable salad is to chop your vegetables evenly and mix them well with the dressing to ensure that each bite is flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap out any vegetables in this recipe for your favorites or whatever you have on hand. You can also use a store-bought Italian dressing if you're short on time.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this mixed vegetable salad in a large bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or a simple pasta dish for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 180 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 10g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 2g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten.

Summary

This mixed vegetable salad is a healthy and delicious dish that is low in calories and packed with essential nutrients.

Summary

Mixed vegetable salad is a versatile and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a variety of fresh vegetables and a flavorful dressing, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, it left a lasting impression on me. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha. She had prepared a beautiful mixed vegetable salad that was bursting with colors and flavors. As soon as I took my first bite, I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

Martha was kind enough to share the recipe with me, and she explained that it was a family recipe that had been passed down for generations. She told me that the key to making the perfect mixed vegetable salad was to use the freshest ingredients possible and to let the flavors marinate together for a few hours before serving.

I was eager to try my hand at making the salad, so I went home and gathered all the ingredients that I would need. I chopped up an assortment of colorful vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onions. I mixed them together in a large bowl and added some fresh herbs and a homemade vinaigrette dressing.

As the salad sat in the refrigerator, the flavors began to meld together, creating a delicious and refreshing dish that was perfect for the hot summer days. When I finally served it to my family, they couldn't get enough of it. They raved about how delicious and flavorful it was, and I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe.

Over the years, I have continued to make Martha's mixed vegetable salad, adding my own personal touches and variations to the recipe. I have shared it with friends and family members, who have all fallen in love with its fresh and vibrant flavors.

One day, while visiting my cousin in a small village in Italy, I had the opportunity to learn a new twist on the classic mixed vegetable salad recipe. My cousin's neighbor, a sweet old lady named Nonna Maria, invited me into her kitchen to show me how she made her version of the salad.

Nonna Maria's recipe was slightly different from Martha's, but equally as delicious. She added some roasted red peppers and marinated artichoke hearts to the mix, giving the salad a unique and savory flavor. She also used a traditional Italian dressing made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a hint of garlic.

I watched intently as Nonna Maria worked her magic in the kitchen, tossing the vegetables together with the dressing and letting them sit for a while to absorb all the flavors. When she finally served the salad, it was a culinary masterpiece that I will never forget.

I thanked Nonna Maria for sharing her recipe with me and promised to pass it on to future generations. As I left her home that day, I realized that cooking is not just about following a recipe, but about learning from others and incorporating their techniques and flavors into your own dishes.

Now, whenever I make mixed vegetable salad, I think of Martha and Nonna Maria, two wonderful women who have inspired me to experiment and create in the kitchen. Their recipes have become a part of my own culinary repertoire, and I am grateful for the lessons they have taught me. Cooking is a journey of discovery and creativity, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow as a chef.

Categories

| American Recipes | American Salads | Vegetable Recipes | Vinegar Recipes | World Recipes |

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