Hearty Smoked Turkey and Summer Vegetable Salad
This Hearty Smoked Turkey and Summer Vegetable Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish perfect for warm summer days. With tender red potatoes, crisp green beans, and sweet corn, this salad brings together the smoky flavor of turkey breast and the freshness of seasonal vegetables. Drizzled with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette enhanced with Dijon mustard and basil, this meal is both nutritious and delicious. Ideal as a one-dish meal for lunches, picnics, or relaxed dinners, it can also be adapted with smoked chicken for variety.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
red potatoes
8 large (cut in eights)
green beans
1 lb (trimmed)
corn
4 ears (shucked, kernels removed)
red onion
1/2 (thinly sliced)
smoked turkey breast
1/2 lb (diced)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons
Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons
dried sweet basil leaves
1 teaspoon
olive oil
4 tablespoons
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of water to a rolling boil.
2
Add the diced red potatoes to the boiling water and cook for approximately 15 minutes, or until they are nearly tender.
3
Stir in the trimmed green beans and corn kernels, cooking for an additional 3 minutes until the vegetables are bright and tender-crisp.
4
Drain the mixture in a colander and allow it to cool for a few minutes before transferring to a large salad bowl.
5
Add the thinly sliced red onion and diced smoked turkey breast to the bowl with the cooled vegetables.
6
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the salt, black pepper, and balsamic vinegar until the salt is dissolved.
7
Incorporate the Dijon mustard and dried sweet basil leaves, whisking until the mixture is combined.
8
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking to create a smooth emulsion.
9
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in this salad?
The primary protein in this salad is half a pound of diced smoked turkey breast.
Can I substitute the smoked turkey with another meat?
Yes, the recipe notes that smoked chicken can be used as a variety for this meal.
How should the red potatoes be prepared?
You should take 8 large red potatoes and cut them into eights before cooking.
How long do the potatoes need to boil?
The potatoes should be boiled for approximately 15 minutes until they are nearly tender.
When should the green beans and corn be added to the pot?
The green beans and corn kernels should be added during the final 3 minutes of the potato boiling process.
What texture should the cooked green beans and corn have?
The vegetables should be cooked until they are bright and tender-crisp.
How is the corn prepared for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 ears of corn to be shucked and the kernels removed.
How is the red onion prepared?
Half of a red onion should be thinly sliced.
What ingredients are in the homemade balsamic vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette includes salt, black pepper, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried sweet basil leaves, and olive oil.
How do you start the dressing process?
Begin by whisking together the salt, black pepper, and balsamic vinegar in a separate small bowl until the salt is dissolved.
When do I add the mustard and basil to the dressing?
Incorporate the Dijon mustard and dried sweet basil leaves after the salt and vinegar have been whisked together.
How do I create a smooth emulsion for the dressing?
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking the mixture to create a smooth emulsion.
Should the vegetables be cooled before mixing the salad?
Yes, drain the vegetables in a colander and allow them to cool for a few minutes before transferring to the salad bowl.
Is this salad suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as picnic food and is ideal for transport and outdoor dining.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
The recipe is tagged as having a vegetarian option; you can simply omit the turkey or use a plant-based substitute.
What kind of vinegar is used for the dressing?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of olive oil.
What type of mustard is used?
The recipe specifies 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard.
Is this considered a healthy meal?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious and vibrant dish full of fresh seasonal vegetables.
How should the salad be served?
You can serve the salad immediately after tossing it with the dressing or refrigerate it until you are ready to serve.
What size should the turkey be?
The smoked turkey breast should be diced into small pieces.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried?
While the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried sweet basil leaves, fresh basil can be used as a flavorful substitution.
How much water do I need to boil the vegetables?
You should bring 2 quarts of water to a rolling boil.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a hearty one-dish meal suitable for lunch or dinner.
How do I ensure the salad is evenly coated?
Pour the dressing over the bowl and gently toss the ingredients to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Does the recipe use black pepper?
Yes, it uses 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, or more to taste.
Are the potatoes peeled?
The recipe does not specify peeling, so the skin can be left on for extra texture and nutrients.
What makes this a summer salad?
It utilizes fresh summer produce like corn on the cob and green beans, making it perfect for warm weather.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total in this recipe.
Can I add more salt to the recipe?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of salt, but notes it can be adjusted to taste.