Making a vegetable salad is a great way to enjoy fresh, healthy ingredients.
You can customize it
with your favorite vegetables and dressings. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for a classic
vegetable salad.
Ingredients:
• 1 cucumber (sliced or chopped)
• 1 tomato (diced)
• 1 bell pepper (any color, chopped)
• 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 carrot (peeled and shredded or sliced)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• A handful of lettuce or mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, or romaine)
• A few olives (optional)
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley, basil, or cilantro) for garnish
For the Dressing:
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp vinegar (balsamic, red wine, or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• A pinch of dried oregano or mixed Italian herbs (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
• Wash all the vegetables thoroughly.
• Slice or chop the cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, and red onion. You can slice the
cucumber thinly or cut it into rounds or chunks, depending on your preference.
• Shred or slice the carrot into thin strips.
• If using lettuce or mixed greens, tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
2. Assemble the Salad:
• In a large salad bowl, combine all the prepared vegetables and greens.
• Add any optional ingredients such as olives or fresh herbs.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
• In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey (if using), salt,
pepper, and oregano (or other herbs). Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
• Alternatively, you can shake the dressing in a jar with a lid for easy mixing.
4. Dress the Salad:
• Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat all the vegetables
evenly with the dressing.
5. Serve:
• Serve immediately or chill for 10-15 minutes before serving for a slightly cooler, fresher
taste.
Tips:
• Add Protein: You can add protein to make it a more filling meal, like grilled chicken,
chickpeas, beans, feta cheese, or hard-boiled eggs.
• Add Crunch: Add croutons, nuts (like walnuts or almonds), or seeds (like sunflower or
pumpkin seeds) for extra crunch.
• Customize: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables, like zucchini, radishes, or
avocado.
• Make It Spicy: For some heat, add sliced jalapeños or chili flakes to the salad.
Enjoy your healthy and colorful vegetable salad as a side dish, lunch, or light dinner!
