Delectable Garden Harmony Salad
This Delectable Garden Harmony Salad is a cherished family recipe, passed down through generations. Inspired by my husband's mother's technique, we've enjoyed this simple yet flavorful salad nearly every day for the past 50 years. The beauty of this salad lies in its versatility - you can customize the vegetables according to your preferences and seasonal availability. The dressing, made 'to taste', allows for endless experimentation with various oils and vinegars, enhancing the freshness of the ingredients. Whether you choose classic olive oil paired with balsamic vinegar or opt for something unique, this salad promises to be both refreshing and satisfying. Topped with grated parmesan cheese, this is not just a side but a vibrant dish perfect for any meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lettuce
1/2 head (Torn into bite-sized pieces)
Tomatoes
2 medium (Diced)
Cucumber
1/2 (Peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds)
Green Onions
4 (Chopped)
Avocado
1/2 (Diced)
Radishes
2 (Sliced (optional))
Celery
1 rib (Sliced (optional))
Mixed Mushrooms
4 (Sliced (optional))
Carrot
1 (Peeled and diced (optional))
Seasoning Salt
to taste
Seasoned Pepper
to taste
Garlic Powder
to taste
Parmesan Cheese
to taste (Grated)
Olive Oil
to taste
Vinegar
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by tearing the lettuce into bite-sized pieces, then rinse and dry them thoroughly using a salad spinner or kitchen towel.
2
Place the washed lettuce in a large, wide salad bowl to allow for easy tossing.
3
Prepare the additional vegetables by dicing the tomatoes, peeling and slicing the cucumber, chopping the green onions, and dicing the avocado. If using, slice the radishes, celery, and mushrooms, and dice the carrot accordingly.
4
Arrange all the prepared vegetables on top of the lettuce in the bowl.
5
Sprinkle seasoning salt, seasoned pepper, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese over the top of the vegetables. Start with a light hand, as you can always adjust later based on your personal taste.
6
Drizzle olive oil over the salad, followed by the vinegar. Remember to add the oil first, then the vinegar, starting with a smaller amount of vinegar for better control over flavor.
7
Gently toss the salad to mix the ingredients and ensure they are coated. Taste the salad and adjust by adding more oil or vinegar if desired. Toss again to combine.
8
Serve the salad immediately. If some guests prefer extra seasoning, allow them to add salt and pepper to their individual servings. If you find you used too much vinegar, a small pinch of salt can help balance the flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Delectable Garden Harmony Salad?
It is a fresh, highly customizable vegetable salad based on a cherished 50-year-old family recipe.
Who inspired this salad recipe?
The recipe was inspired by the creator's husband's mother's specific preparation technique.
How long has this recipe been in use?
The family has enjoyed this salad nearly every day for the past 50 years.
Is the Garden Harmony Salad customizable?
Yes, you can customize the vegetables according to your personal preferences and seasonal availability.
What type of lettuce is used?
The recipe calls for half a head of lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces.
How should the lettuce be prepared?
Tear the lettuce, rinse it, and then dry it thoroughly using a salad spinner or kitchen towel.
Why is a wide salad bowl recommended?
A large, wide bowl is used to allow for easy and effective tossing of the ingredients.
How should the tomatoes be diced?
The two medium tomatoes should be diced into uniform pieces for even distribution.
What is the correct way to slice the cucumber?
Peel the cucumber and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
How many green onions are needed?
The recipe requires four chopped green onions.
Is avocado included in this salad?
Yes, the recipe includes half of a diced avocado.
What are the optional vegetable additions?
Optional ingredients include sliced radishes, sliced celery, mixed mushrooms, and diced carrots.
How should the carrots be prepared?
If using carrots, they should be peeled and diced.
What seasonings are used in the salad?
The salad is seasoned with seasoning salt, seasoned pepper, and garlic powder.
What kind of cheese is added to the salad?
Grated parmesan cheese is sprinkled over the top of the vegetables.
In what order should the dressing be added?
Drizzle the olive oil over the salad first, followed by the vinegar.
Why add oil before vinegar?
Adding oil first allows for better control over the flavor profile before the acidity of the vinegar is introduced.
How much oil and vinegar should I use?
Both ingredients should be added 'to taste' to accommodate your personal preference.
Can I use different types of vinegar?
Yes, you can experiment with balsamic vinegar or other unique varieties to change the flavor.
What is the best way to mix the salad?
Gently toss the ingredients to ensure everything is evenly coated with the oil, vinegar, and seasonings.
What if I add too much vinegar?
A small pinch of salt can help balance the flavor if you find you have used too much vinegar.
When should the salad be served?
The salad should be served immediately after tossing to ensure maximum freshness.
Can I adjust the seasonings after tossing?
Yes, you should taste the salad and add more oil, vinegar, or seasonings if desired before serving.
Is this salad considered healthy?
Yes, it is a fresh, vegetable-forward dish that is both healthy and nutritious.
Is the Delectable Garden Harmony Salad vegetarian?
Yes, the salad is vegetarian as it consists of vegetables, oils, vinegar, and parmesan cheese.
How many mushrooms are suggested for the optional version?
The recipe suggests using four sliced mixed mushrooms if you choose to include them.
Can I prepare the vegetables in advance?
While you can dice the vegetables, it is best to assemble and toss the salad just before serving to prevent wilting.
What should guests do if they want more seasoning?
Guests can add extra salt and pepper to their individual servings according to their taste.
How many radishes are recommended?
Two sliced radishes are recommended as an optional addition.
What is the overall flavor profile of this salad?
It is a refreshing and satisfying salad that balances fresh garden vegetables with savory parmesan and a tangy dressing.