Summer Vegetable Salad ๐ฅ
Overview:
This Summer Vegetable Salad recipe is a refreshing medley of seasonal vegetables and a creamy tofu-based vinaigrette, perfect for those hot summer days when you crave something light and nutritious. With a prep time of just 5 minutes, this dish is a breeze to put together, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Packed with flavor and nutrients, it’s a satisfying meal or side dish that you can enjoy guilt-free.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 206.2 per serving
- Fat: 5.2g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2g
- Cholesterol: 93.2mg
- Sodium: 655.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 32.6g
- Fiber: 8.4g
- Sugar: 20.2g
- Protein: 12.6g
Ingredients:
- 3 units of soft tofu
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons dill
- 1/4 teaspoon table salt
- 4 leaves of lettuce
- 3/4 cup sliced beet
- 1/2 cup green beans
- 1 hard-boiled egg
- 1 small red onion
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Begin by preparing the vinaigrette. In a blender, combine the soft tofu, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, dill, and table salt. Pulse the ingredients together until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. |
| 2 | Next, toss the lettuce leaves with the prepared vinaigrette until they are evenly coated. Divide the dressed lettuce between two large plates, spreading it out evenly. |
| 3 | Now, it’s time to assemble the salad. Arrange the sliced beets, green beans, and hard-boiled egg slices on top of the dressed lettuce, distributing them evenly between the two plates. |
| 4 | Thinly slice the red onion and sprinkle it over the assembled salads, adding a flavorful crunch to each bite. |
| 5 | Finally, garnish the salads with capers, scattering them over the vegetables for an extra burst of briny goodness. Finish off by grinding black pepper over the salads to taste. |
| 6 | Serve your Summer Vegetable Salad immediately, either as a light and refreshing meal on its own or as a delightful side dish alongside your favorite summer entrees. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and nutritious goodness of this seasonal delight! |
Recipe Notes:
- Seasonal Variation: While many of these veggies might be out of season, you can always substitute with seasonal alternatives or use frozen options for convenience.
- Customization: Feel free to customize this salad to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Add in additional veggies, swap out ingredients, or adjust the seasoning to create your perfect summer salad.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the vinaigrette in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply give it a good shake or stir before using.
- Presentation Tip: For an extra aesthetic touch, consider arranging the salad ingredients in an appealing pattern on the plate before serving, creating a visually stunning presentation that’s sure to impress.
With its vibrant colors, crisp textures, and zesty flavors, this Summer Vegetable Salad is a true celebration of seasonal produce. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a healthy side dish, or a refreshing appetizer, this recipe has you covered. Enjoy the bounty of summer with each delicious bite!
