Refresh your mealtime with a vibrant Fresh Vegetable Salad with Walnuts, perfect for any season. This salad is a delightful mix of crisp cucumbers, tangy radishes, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy bell peppers, all brought together with a zesty homemade dressing. Topped with roasted walnuts for added texture and a nutty flavor, this salad not only provides essential nutrients but also pleases the palate with its diverse flavors and textures. Follow this simple guide to creating a healthy, flavorful salad that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 3 small cucumbers
- 1 bell pepper
- 5 radishes
- 3 tomatoes
- 1 red onion
- A few lettuce leaves
- Chives, for garnish
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Roasted walnuts, for topping
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon wine or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Begin by washing all your vegetables thoroughly. Slice the cucumbers, bell pepper, radishes, and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
- Peel and thinly slice the red onion to add a mild sharpness to the salad.
- Rinse the lettuce leaves and tear them into smaller pieces, which will serve as the base of your salad, adding freshness and crispness.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the prepared cucumbers, bell pepper, radishes, tomatoes, and red onion. Add the torn lettuce leaves.
- Finely chop the chives and sprinkle them over the vegetables to add color and a mild onion flavor.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, wine or apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper, creating a simple yet flavorful dressing.
- Mince the garlic cloves and incorporate them into the dressing for a punch of flavor.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Drizzle the dressing over the mixed vegetables in the salad bowl. Gently toss everything together to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Sprinkle the roasted walnuts over the top of the salad just before serving to maintain their crunch.
- Serve:
- Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the full freshness and crunch of the vegetables. The walnuts add a delightful texture contrast and are packed with healthy fats.
Tips for Success
- Walnut Roasting: For extra flavor, lightly toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until they’re golden and fragrant before adding them to the salad.
- Dressing Variation: Consider adding a touch of honey or mustard to the dressing for an additional layer of flavor.
- Ingredient Flexibility: Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced avocado or swap the walnuts for other nuts like pecans for variety.
Health Benefits
This fresh vegetable salad is a powerhouse of nutrients. It’s loaded with vitamins and antioxidants from the variety of vegetables, while the olive oil provides healthy fats. Walnuts are excellent for heart health and brain function, making this salad not only a delicious choice but also a beneficial one for your overall health.
Conclusion
This Fresh Vegetable Salad with Walnuts is more than just a side dish; it’s a vibrant, healthy, and satisfying addition to any meal. Whether you’re looking to lighten up your dinner with a fresh side or need a quick and nutritious lunch, this salad meets all criteria. It’s quick to assemble, packed with flavor, and adjustable to whatever you have on hand. Enjoy the freshness in every bite and the satisfaction of a meal that’s both wholesome and delicious.
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