Nicaraguan Mixed Vegetable Salad

Nicaraguan Mixed Vegetable Salad Recipe

Region / culture: Nicaragua | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Nicaraguan Mixed Vegetable Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines a variety of vegetables with a zesty dressing. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

History

This recipe is a traditional Nicaraguan dish that has been passed down through generations. It is a popular choice for picnics and family gatherings due to its fresh and vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

1 x 8 oz (227 g) can of red kidney beans
1 x 8 oz (227 g) can of cut green beans
4 cups of shredded cabbage
2 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
0.33 cup of salad oil
0.25 cup of cider vinegar
0.5 tsp of sugar
0.25 tsp of chili powder
1 medium avocado

How to prepare

Drain the kidney beans and green beans. In a large salad bowl, toss together the kidney beans, green beans, cabbage, and tomato wedges.
For the dressing, combine salad oil, vinegar, sugar, chili powder, and 0.25 tsp salt in a screw-top jar. Cover and shake well to mix. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss to coat. Cover and chill for several hours or overnight. Before serving, peel, seed, and chop the avocado and add it to the salad.
This recipe makes 6 to 8 servings.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch.
Mix in some cooked quinoa or brown rice for added protein and fiber.
Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese or toasted nuts for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to chill the salad for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.

- You can customize this salad by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs.

- For a spicier kick, add more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it on its own as a light and healthy meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe requires minimal cooking and is mostly assembly. The key is to let the salad chill for several hours to allow the flavors to develop.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use black beans or chickpeas instead of kidney beans.

- Substitute white vinegar or lemon juice for the cider vinegar.

- Use any type of oil you prefer for the dressing.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just wait to add the avocado until right before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, for a pop of color. Serve it in a large bowl or on a platter for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or tofu. It also goes well with crusty bread or cornbread on the side.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this salad contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

This salad is a good source of carbohydrates, with approximately 20 grams per serving.

Fats

The salad contains healthy fats from the avocado and salad oil, with around 15 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

This salad provides a moderate amount of protein, with about 7 grams per serving from the kidney beans and green beans.

Vitamins and minerals

Nicaraguan Mixed Vegetable Salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium from the cabbage, tomatoes, and avocado.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens, but be sure to check the labels on canned beans for any potential allergens.

Summary

Overall, this salad is a nutritious and balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Nicaraguan Mixed Vegetable Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Nicaraguan Mixed Vegetable Salad. It was a hot summer day, and I had been invited to a potluck gathering at a friend's house. I wanted to bring something fresh and flavorful to contribute to the feast, so I turned to my trusty collection of recipes for inspiration.

As I flipped through the pages of my worn and stained recipe book, my eyes landed on a handwritten note tucked in between the pages. It was a recipe for Nicaraguan Mixed Vegetable Salad, passed down to me by an old friend who had lived in Nicaragua for several years. The ingredients were simple yet intriguing - a colorful mix of vegetables, tossed in a tangy dressing made with lime juice and cilantro.

I had never tried making this salad before, but the vibrant flavors and exotic ingredients called out to me. I knew that this was the perfect dish to bring to the potluck, a refreshing and unique addition to the spread of casseroles and desserts.

Excited to try something new, I set out to gather the necessary ingredients for the salad. I carefully selected the freshest vegetables from the market - crisp bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and fragrant onions. I also made sure to pick up a bunch of fresh cilantro and several limes for the dressing.

Back in my kitchen, I washed and chopped the vegetables with care, taking the time to create uniform pieces that would look appealing in the salad. As I mixed together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing, the zesty aroma filled the room, making my mouth water in anticipation.

I tossed the vegetables in the dressing, making sure that each piece was coated in the tangy mixture. The colors of the salad popped against the white bowl, creating a beautiful and appetizing display. I garnished the salad with a handful of chopped cilantro, adding a fresh and herbaceous note to the dish.

As I sampled a spoonful of the salad, the flavors exploded in my mouth - the crunch of the vegetables, the tang of the lime juice, the earthiness of the cilantro. It was a perfect blend of textures and tastes, a harmonious medley of ingredients that danced on my taste buds.

Pleased with the result, I packed up the salad and headed to the potluck, eager to share my culinary creation with my friends. As soon as I arrived, the vibrant colors of the salad caught everyone's eye, eliciting oohs and aahs of admiration.

I proudly presented my Nicaraguan Mixed Vegetable Salad to the group, explaining the origins of the recipe and the care I had put into preparing it. As my friends dug into the dish, their faces lit up with delight, their taste buds tingling with the fresh and zesty flavors of the salad.

The salad was a hit at the potluck, disappearing quickly as everyone went back for seconds and thirds. I received numerous compliments on my cooking, with many asking for the recipe so they could recreate the dish at home.

From that moment on, the Nicaraguan Mixed Vegetable Salad became a staple in my recipe repertoire, a go-to dish for potlucks, family gatherings, and dinner parties. It never failed to impress with its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and refreshing taste.

Over the years, I continued to make the salad, tweaking the ingredients and experimenting with different variations. Sometimes I added avocado for creaminess, or corn for sweetness, or black beans for protein. Each iteration of the salad was a delicious and satisfying creation, a testament to the versatility and adaptability of the recipe.

As I look back on that hot summer day when I first discovered the recipe for Nicaraguan Mixed Vegetable Salad, I am filled with gratitude for the friend who shared it with me and the memories it has brought to my life. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to express my creativity and love for those around me. And this salad, with its bold flavors and vibrant colors, embodies everything I love about the culinary arts - fresh ingredients, exotic flavors, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

So the next time you're looking for a dish that is both healthy and flavorful, why not give this Nicaraguan Mixed Vegetable Salad a try? I promise you won't be disappointed. Just remember to chop those vegetables with care, mix that dressing with love, and garnish with plenty of fresh cilantro. And who knows, maybe this salad will become a cherished recipe in your own collection, a dish that brings joy and satisfaction with every bite.