Chilean-Inspired Fresh Vegetable Salad

Ingredients

• 4 large tomatoes, diced (800g / 1.76lb) 4 large tomatoes, diced (800g / 1.76lb)
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced (150g / 5.3oz) 1 red onion, thinly sliced (150g / 5.3oz)
• 1 green bell pepper, diced (150g / 5.3oz) 1 green bell pepper, diced (150g / 5.3oz)
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced (150g / 5.3oz) 1 yellow bell pepper, diced (150g / 5.3oz)
• 1 orange bell pepper, diced (150g / 5.3oz) 1 orange bell pepper, diced (150g / 5.3oz)
• Juice of 2 lemons (60ml / 2fl oz) Juice of 2 lemons (60ml / 2fl oz)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (45ml) 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (45ml)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat: 7g (Saturated Fat: 1g)
• Carbohydrates: 14g (Sugar: 7g)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, and diced bell peppers.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.
4. 4.
   Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
5. 5.
   Before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If they are not in season, you can use cherry tomatoes instead.
• Red onion — Soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad to mellow out its sharpness.
• Bell peppers — Use a mix of different colored bell peppers to add visual appeal to the salad.
• Lemon juice — Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the most vibrant flavor.
• Cilantro — If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley for a different herbaceous note.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
• Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
• Serve the salad alongside grilled meats or seafood for a complete meal.
• Customize the salad by adding other vegetables such as cucumber or avocado.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but the salad is best enjoyed fresh.

Serving advice

Serve the Chilean-inspired fresh vegetable salad as a refreshing side dish or as a light lunch. It pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or as a topping for tacos or tostadas.

Presentation advice

Present the salad in a large serving bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through. Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh cilantro for an added touch of green.