Farmer’s Market Salad: A Colorful and Refreshing Delight
When the sun is shining and the vibrant produce of the farmer’s market beckons, there’s no better way to celebrate the bounty of fresh vegetables than by preparing a delightful Farmer’s Market Salad. This salad is not just a side dish; it can easily transition into a main course, making it an incredibly versatile addition to your meal repertoire. Packed with a rainbow of fresh ingredients, it is bursting with flavors that are as refreshing as a cool breeze on a warm day.
Ingredients
To prepare this delightful salad, gather the following ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a salad that is not only visually appealing but also deliciously satisfying. The table below outlines the necessary ingredients along with their quantities:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Seasoned rice vinegar | ½ cup |
| Dijon mustard | ⅓ cup |
| Fresh dill, chopped | 3 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 2 teaspoons |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1 ½ tablespoons |
| Lemons, zested and juiced | 1 ½ |
| Fresh coarse ground black pepper | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Baby red potatoes | ½ pound |
| Baby asparagus | 2/3 pound |
| Cherry tomatoes, halved | 1 cup |
| Orange bell pepper, sliced | 1 |
| Hard-boiled eggs, quartered | 4 |
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional value of the ingredients used in our Farmer’s Market Salad can help you appreciate its health benefits. Below is a table summarizing the key nutritional information per serving:
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 549.4 |
| Total Fat | 42.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 212 mg |
| Sodium | 400.8 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 33.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.1 g |
| Sugars | 9.5 g |
| Protein | 12.7 g |
Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the preparation process. This recipe is designed to be easy to follow, allowing you to create a stunning salad in approximately 25 minutes, making it an ideal choice for brunch, a light lunch, or a side for dinner. Below are the step-by-step instructions that will guide you in making this delightful salad.
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Prepare the Dressing:
Begin by making the dressing. In a blender or food processor, combine the seasoned rice vinegar, Dijon mustard, chopped fresh dill, sugar, and fresh lemon juice. Pulse these ingredients together until they are well mixed. While the machine is running, gradually add the oil in a thin stream, continuing to pulse until the mixture becomes partially smooth. Once blended, transfer the dressing to a container and refrigerate it while you prepare the salad. -
Cook the Potatoes:
In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Carefully add the baby red potatoes and cook them until they are tender, which should take about 15 minutes. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and immerse them in a bowl of ice water for about 5 minutes to stop the cooking process. This quick cooling step ensures that the potatoes maintain their vibrant color and firm texture. -
Prepare the Asparagus:
Using a large pot, bring water to a boil again. Add the baby asparagus to the boiling water and cook them until they are crisp-tender, typically about 3 to 5 minutes. Once cooked, immediately remove the asparagus from the pot and transfer them to the ice water bath, letting them cool for another 5 minutes. This method preserves the bright green color and fresh crunch of the asparagus. -
Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, toss your choice of salad greens with ⅓ cup of the prepared dressing. Mix well to ensure all the greens are evenly coated. Once mixed, divide the dressed greens evenly among four serving plates, creating a vibrant base for your salad. -
Add the Remaining Ingredients:
Arrange the cooled potatoes, asparagus, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced orange bell pepper, and quartered hard-boiled eggs in sections over the top of the salad greens on each plate. This colorful presentation not only looks beautiful but allows everyone to enjoy a variety of flavors in every bite. -
Finish with Dressing:
Drizzle half of the remaining dressing over the salads on the plates, adding a final touch of flavor. Serve the salads immediately, allowing your guests to enjoy the fresh tastes of the season. You can also offer the remaining dressing on the side for those who prefer a little extra drizzle.
Conclusion
This Farmer’s Market Salad is a celebration of fresh, seasonal produce that is both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or as a hearty side, it offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will please any palate. Its bright colors and refreshing taste make it a perfect addition to any meal, especially during the warmer months when fresh vegetables are at their peak. Enjoy this easy, wholesome recipe that is bound to become a favorite in your household, providing a delicious reminder of summer’s bounty all year long.
