Mediterranean-style Vegetable Salad

Ingredients

In this Mediterranean adaptation of Vinegret, the traditional ingredients like beets and potatoes are replaced with Mediterranean staples such as tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and olives. The dressing also incorporates Mediterranean flavors by using olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and honey. These changes give the salad a fresh and zesty twist, while still maintaining the essence of the original dish. We alse have the original recipe for Vinegret, so you can check it out.

• 2 large tomatoes, diced 2 large tomatoes, diced
• 1 English cucumber, diced 1 English cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (150g) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved 1 cup (150g) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil leaves, chopped 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup (10g) fresh parsley leaves, chopped 1/4 cup (10g) fresh parsley leaves, chopped
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) honey 1 teaspoon (5ml) honey
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 14g, 6g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, basil, and parsley.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently to combine.
4. 4.
   Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
5. 5.
   Serve chilled and enjoy!

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.
• Olives — Opt for high-quality Kalamata olives for their rich and tangy taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use black olives instead.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts over the salad before serving.
• Feel free to customize the salad by adding other Mediterranean ingredients such as artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or capers.
• Make sure to let the salad marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop fully.

Serving advice

Serve the Mediterranean-style vegetable salad as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled fish or chicken. It also makes a delicious light lunch when paired with crusty bread or as a topping for a bed of mixed greens.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the salad on a large platter and garnish with additional fresh basil and parsley leaves. The vibrant colors of the vegetables will make the dish visually appealing.