Imagine a vibrant, crisp salad that captures the essence of a sunny farmers market morning - bursting with colors, textures, and farm-fresh goodness. This Farmers Market Vegetable Salad isn't just a dish; it's a culinary celebration of seasonal produce that will transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or simply looking for a quick, delicious side dish, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and nourish your body with every refreshing bite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by washing all your fresh produce thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or pesticides.
- Once cleaned, take the mixed greens and place them in a large salad bowl as the base of your salad.
- Next, prepare the cherry tomatoes by cutting them in half. After halving, add them to the bowl with the mixed greens.
- Slice the cucumber into thin rounds. You can peel it if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds extra nutrients and crunch. Add the cucumber slices to the salad bowl.
- Take the bell pepper, remove the seeds and stem, and dice it into small, bite-sized pieces. Add the diced bell pepper to the salad bowl.
- Peel the red onion and slice it thinly. If you find raw onion too strong, you can soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes to mellow the flavor. Add the sliced red onion to the bowl.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad for added flavor and creaminess.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Start with 2 tablespoons, and feel free to adjust to taste.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that feta cheese can be salty, so adjust accordingly.
- Using tongs or salad servers, gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is well combined and coated with the dressing.
- Once mixed, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning or dressing if necessary.
- Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate for a short time if you prefer it chilled. Enjoy your fresh Farmers Market Vegetable Salad!
Tips
- Freshness is Key: Always choose the ripest, most colorful vegetables from your local farmers market or produce section for maximum flavor and nutrition.
- Knife Skills Matter: Take your time when chopping vegetables to ensure uniform, bite-sized pieces that look beautiful and eat easily.
- Dressing Hack: For an extra flavor boost, let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes after dressing to allow the ingredients to marinate slightly.
- Customization Options: Feel free to swap vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference. This salad is incredibly versatile!
- Chill Factor: For the most refreshing experience, serve the salad immediately or keep it slightly chilled before serving.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare vegetables separately and combine just before serving to maintain maximum crispness and prevent soggy salad.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs to turn this side salad into a complete, satisfying meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 248kcal
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
