Spring Salad Recipe
Overview
This delightful Spring Salad is perfect for your next BBQ, potluck dinner, or even a quick weeknight meal. Featuring a tangy vinaigrette and a colorful array of fresh vegetables, it’s a refreshing addition to any menu. The prep time doubles as chill time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
- Total Time: 4 hours (includes chilling time)
- Prep Time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: Not applicable (no cooking required)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup light olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon dill weed
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- 5-6 small cucumbers, sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 149.1
- Total Fat: 9.3g
- Saturated Fat: 1.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 15.4mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 13.2g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.1g
- Sugars: 8.7g
- Protein: 1.8g
Directions
-
Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a large bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, light olive oil, dill weed, sugar, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro until well combined.
-
-
Combine Vegetables: Add the sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped tomato, thinly sliced red onion, diced yellow bell pepper, and diced green bell pepper to the bowl with the vinaigrette.
-
Toss to Coat: Gently toss the vegetables with the vinaigrette until everything is evenly coated.
-
Chill: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. Stir occasionally to redistribute the dressing.
-
Serve: Once chilled, give the salad a final toss and serve cold. The flavors will have melded together beautifully, making this salad a crisp and flavorful addition to your meal.
Tips and Variations
-
Make Ahead: This salad can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will develop.
-
Customization: Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite seasonal vegetables. Radishes, snap peas, or even avocado chunks can add extra texture and flavor.
-
Storage: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It may become slightly more watery as it sits, so drain any excess liquid before serving leftovers.
Conclusion
This Spring Salad is not only vibrant and colorful but also packed with fresh, crisp flavors that make it an ideal dish for warm weather gatherings. Whether you’re looking for a low-protein, low-cholesterol option or simply a refreshing salad to enjoy, this recipe is sure to please. Prepare it ahead of time for effortless entertaining or as a quick and easy addition to your weekday meals. Enjoy the taste of spring in every bite!
