Fire ‘n Ice Salad Recipe Analysis and Cooking Tips
Recipe Overview:
Fire ‘n Ice Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that promises to impress with its blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Originally featured in “Taste of Home Soups, Salads and Sandwiches,” this recipe combines fresh vegetables with a zesty vinegar-based dressing, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal or as a refreshing addition to any gathering.
Key Recipe Details:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes (total assembly and refrigeration time)
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (includes 2 hours of chilling time)
- Servings: Approximately 6 servings
- Rating: 5 stars based on 6 reviews
Ingredients:
- 4 tomatoes
- 1 green pepper
- 1 onion
- 3/4 cup cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons mustard seeds
- 1 1/2 teaspoons celery seeds
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 jalapeño pepper (optional, for added heat)
- 7 cucumbers
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 65.3
- Total Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300.8mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 14.3g
- Fiber: 1.8g
- Sugars: 10.3g
- Protein: 1.5g
Recipe Instructions:
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Prepare Vegetables: Start by combining chopped tomatoes, diced green pepper, chopped onion, and sliced jalapeño (if using) in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
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Make Dressing: In a saucepan, combine cider vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, let it boil for 1 minute to allow flavors to meld.
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Combine Dressing with Vegetables: Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the vegetables in the bowl. Stir gently to ensure all vegetables are coated evenly with the dressing.
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Cool to Room Temperature: Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, which helps the flavors to develop and meld together naturally.
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Add Cucumbers: Once cooled, stir in sliced cucumbers. These crunchy additions add texture and freshness to the salad.
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Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours. Chilling allows the flavors to fully infuse into the vegetables, transforming them into a deliciously tangy and refreshing salad.
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Serve: Before serving, drain any excess liquid from the salad. This step ensures that the salad maintains its vibrant colors and crisp texture when served.
Cooking Tips:
- Customize Heat Level: Adjust the spiciness of the salad by adding more or less jalapeño according to your preference.
- Make Ahead: Fire ‘n Ice Salad can be prepared up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Enhance Flavor: For added depth of flavor, consider letting the salad marinate in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the ingredients to absorb more of the dressing’s flavors.
Conclusion:
Fire ‘n Ice Salad is not just a dish but an experience of contrasting flavors and textures. With its crisp cucumbers, tangy tomatoes, and zesty vinegar dressing, it’s sure to be a hit at any meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this salad brings a refreshing twist to the table, making every bite a delightful exploration of tastes.
