French-inspired Pickled Vegetable Salad

Ingredients

In this French adaptation of the Indonesian acar, we incorporate the French love for pickled vegetables and elevate the dish with a French-inspired dressing. The original acar typically includes ingredients like turmeric and tamarind, which we replace with a classic French vinaigrette made with Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, and olive oil. This adaptation adds a touch of sophistication and complements the flavors of the pickled vegetables. We alse have the original recipe for Acar, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (300g) carrots, julienned 2 cups (300g) carrots, julienned
• 2 cups (300g) cucumbers, thinly sliced 2 cups (300g) cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (150g) bell peppers, thinly sliced 1 cup (150g) bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (240ml) white wine vinegar 1 cup (240ml) white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 6g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onion.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly.
4. 4.
   Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Before serving, garnish the salad with fresh parsley or chives.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Carrots — Make sure to julienne the carrots into thin strips to ensure they absorb the flavors of the dressing effectively.
• Cucumbers — Use English cucumbers or remove the seeds from regular cucumbers to maintain a crisp texture.
• Bell peppers — Choose a variety of colorful bell peppers to add visual appeal to the salad.
• White wine vinegar — If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute white wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced French flavor, add a teaspoon of Herbes de Provence to the dressing.
• Feel free to customize the salad by adding other vegetables like radishes or fennel.
• Serve the salad chilled for maximum refreshment.
• This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Experiment with different herbs for garnish, such as tarragon or basil, to add a unique twist to the dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Salade de Légumes Marinés à la Française as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled meats or as a light lunch option. It pairs well with crusty French bread or can be enjoyed on its own.

Presentation advice

Arrange the colorful pickled vegetables on a platter or individual plates. Garnish with fresh herbs and drizzle any remaining dressing over the top for an appetizing presentation.