Fresh and Colorful Summer Veggie Delight
This vibrant Summer Veggie Delight is a refreshing salad bursting with flavors and colors, perfect for any warm day. Inspired by the traditional Bulgarian Shopska Salata, this dish incorporates a variety of fresh vegetables like juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and sweet peppers, making it a versatile accompaniment to grilled meats or a picnic spread. You can easily customize the salad by adding your favorite seasonal veggies or a protein boost. With a tangy dressing of olive oil and red wine vinegar, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious, and it's sure to impress your guests or family.
N/A
Servings
134
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Roma tomatoes
4 (diced large)
Large cucumber
1 (diced large (peel optional))
Green peppers
2 (chopped (roasted or raw))
Red peppers
2 (chopped (roasted or raw))
Large yellow onion
1 (chopped (or 6 green onions, sliced))
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Olive oil
1/2 cup
Red wine vinegar
1/4 cup
Salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste
Feta cheese
1/2 cup (crumbled)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing all your vegetables thoroughly.
2
Dice the roma tomatoes and cucumber into large chunks and place them in a large mixing bowl.
3
Chop the green and red peppers into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl.
4
Finely chop the yellow onion or slice the green onions and include them in the mixture.
5
Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top of the vegetables.
6
In a separate screw-top jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper.
7
Cover the jar tightly and shake vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified.
8
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to ensure all the vegetables are coated evenly.
9
Transfer the dressed salad to a serving bowl. For the best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
10
Just before serving, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top to add a creamy texture.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
8g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fresh and Colorful Summer Veggie Delight?
It is a vibrant, refreshing salad featuring fresh summer vegetables and a tangy dressing, inspired by traditional Bulgarian Shopska Salata.
What are the main ingredients in this salad?
The recipe includes Roma tomatoes, cucumber, green and red peppers, onions, fresh parsley, and crumbled feta cheese.
How should the Roma tomatoes be prepared?
The four Roma tomatoes should be washed and diced into large chunks.
Should I peel the cucumber for this recipe?
Peeling the cucumber is optional; you can dice it into large chunks with or without the skin.
Can I use roasted peppers instead of raw ones?
Yes, the recipe allows for the green and red peppers to be either roasted or raw, depending on your preference.
What types of onions can I use in this salad?
You can use one large yellow onion (chopped) or substitute it with six green onions (sliced).
What is the dressing made of?
The dressing consists of 1/2 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar, and salt and black pepper to taste.
How do I mix the dressing to ensure it is emulsified?
Combine the oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a screw-top jar, cover it tightly, and shake vigorously.
When should I add the feta cheese?
The crumbled feta cheese should be sprinkled over the top of the salad just before serving.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
For the best flavor, the dressed salad should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before serving.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 134 calories per serving of this salad.
What is the fat content per serving?
This salad contains 11g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 8g of carbohydrates in each serving.
Does this salad provide protein?
Yes, each serving provides 3g of protein.
Is this recipe suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a picnic-friendly dish and is perfect for outdoor dining.
What dishes pair well with this veggie delight?
It is a versatile accompaniment that pairs excellently with grilled meats.
What kind of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar.
How much fresh parsley is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, the salad is easily customizable, and you can add any of your favorite seasonal vegetables.
How many peppers do I need in total?
You will need a total of four peppers: two green peppers and two red peppers.
What is the cultural inspiration for this salad?
The recipe is inspired by Shopska Salata, which is a traditional Bulgarian dish.
How much olive oil is used in the dressing?
The dressing uses 1/2 cup of olive oil.
Is this salad considered healthy?
Yes, it is categorized as a healthy, nutritious, and fresh vegetable salad.
What size should the peppers be chopped into?
The green and red peppers should be chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Yes, you can easily add a protein boost to this salad to make it more filling.
What is the first step in preparing the recipe?
The first step is to wash all of your vegetables thoroughly.
How should the vegetables be tossed with the dressing?
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss it to ensure all vegetables are coated evenly.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
Is salt and pepper included in the recipe?
Yes, salt and black pepper are added to the dressing 'to taste'.
Can I use green onions instead of a yellow onion?
Yes, you can use 6 sliced green onions as an alternative to one large yellow onion.