Summer Salad I

Pakistan Summer Salad I Recipe with Radishes, Tomatoes, Carrots, and More

Region / culture: Pakistan | Servings: 4

Introduction

Summer Salad I is a refreshing and colorful dish that is perfect for hot summer days. This salad is packed with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family. It was originally created as a way to use up an abundance of fresh vegetables from the garden during the summer months. Over time, it has become a staple dish at family gatherings and barbecues.

Ingredients

1 package of red radishes
2 large tomatoes (cut into small pieces)
2 large carrots (peeled)
1 cucumber (peeled)
1 green pepper (Hari Mirch)
1 small can of black olives (drained)
0.25 lb (113 g) of feta cheese (for garnish)

How to prepare

Clean and slice the radishes, cutting off the ends.
Wash the tomatoes and cut them into small pieces.
Peel and cut the carrots into small strips.
Peel and cut the cucumbers into small strips.
Wash the pepper and cut it into small strips.
Put all the ingredients into a large salad bowl.
Toss with an oil and lemon dressing, and garnish with Feta cheese.

Variations

Add some fresh herbs like mint or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
Swap out the feta cheese for goat cheese or blue cheese for a different taste.
Mix in some cooked quinoa or couscous for added protein and fiber.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to slice the vegetables thinly and uniformly for a consistent texture in each bite.

- Use a sharp knife to easily cut through the tough skin of the cucumber and pepper.

- Drain the black olives well to prevent the salad from becoming too salty.

- Crumble the feta cheese just before serving to maintain its freshness and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This 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 salad is to chop the vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces for easy eating. Tossing the salad with a simple oil and lemon dressing allows the flavors of the fresh vegetables to shine.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have feta cheese on hand, you can substitute it with goat cheese or blue cheese. You can also customize this salad with your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or red onions.

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 wait to add the feta cheese until right before serving to prevent it from getting soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this salad in a large, colorful bowl to show off the vibrant colors of the fresh vegetables. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian dishes. It also goes great with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply let the salad come to room temperature or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this salad contains approximately 150 calories, making it a light and nutritious option for a meal or snack.

Carbohydrates

This salad is a great source of carbohydrates, providing energy to fuel your day. Each serving contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The feta cheese in this salad adds a delicious creamy texture and a boost of healthy fats. Each serving contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

The feta cheese also contributes to the protein content of this salad. Each serving contains approximately 6 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the tomatoes and peppers, vitamin A from the carrots, and calcium from the feta cheese.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy from the feta cheese and may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Summary

Overall, this salad is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Summer Salad I is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for hot summer days. Packed with fresh vegetables, tangy dressing, and creamy feta cheese, this salad is a nutritious and delicious option for any meal or gathering. Enjoy the flavors of summer with this simple and satisfying recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Martha at her beach house. We had spent the morning collecting fresh vegetables from her garden, and she suggested we make a summer salad for lunch.

Martha pulled out a large wooden bowl and started chopping up cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers. She added in some red onion, feta cheese, and olives, then drizzled it with a homemade vinaigrette dressing. I watched in awe as she tossed everything together, the vibrant colors of the vegetables mixing together like a work of art.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the summer salad. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the crispness of the vegetables, the creaminess of the cheese, and the tanginess of the dressing all coming together in perfect harmony. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this salad myself.

Over the years, I have made Martha's summer salad countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to make it my own. I have added in fresh herbs from my own garden, experimented with different types of cheese, and even tried out different types of vinegar in the dressing. But no matter how I change it up, the essence of Martha's original recipe always shines through.

I remember the first time I made the salad for my family. It was a hot summer day, and we were having a backyard barbecue. I proudly brought out the large bowl of summer salad and watched as my family's eyes lit up with delight. They all took a heaping serving and devoured it in record time, declaring it the best salad they had ever tasted.

Since then, I have shared the recipe with many friends and family members, each one falling in love with the fresh, vibrant flavors of the summer salad. I have even brought it to potlucks and parties, where it is always the first dish to be devoured.

I have come to realize that food is not just something we eat to sustain ourselves – it is a form of art, a way to bring people together and create memories. And Martha's summer salad is a perfect example of that. It is a dish that embodies the essence of summer – fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavor.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the countless times I have made this salad, I am filled with gratitude for Martha and her willingness to share her recipe with me. It has become a staple in my cooking repertoire, a dish that I will continue to make for years to come. And every time I take that first bite, I am transported back to that warm summer day at Martha's beach house, where it all began.