Mediterranean Sautéed Vegetable Salad
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Sautéed Vegetable Salad featuring a colorful medley of onions, green peppers, and ripe tomatoes. This dish is a delightful blend of sautéed vegetables tossed in a zesty garlic-lemon dressing, making it a perfect side or light main dish. Ideal for gatherings, this salad not only looks beautiful on the plate but also packs a refreshing taste that can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
3-4 tablespoons (for sautéing)
purple onion
1 large (cut into strips)
green bell pepper
1 large (seeded and cut into strips)
tomatoes
2 large (seeded and cut into strips)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
lemon
1/2 (juice)
cumin
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
cayenne pepper
1 pinch
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion strips and green bell pepper strips.
2
Sauté the vegetables, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften and lightly caramelize.
3
Stir in the seeded and strip-cut tomatoes and continue to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing them to break down slightly.
4
Carefully transfer the sautéed vegetables to a serving dish and pour off half of the remaining olive oil in the skillet.
5
Return the skillet to medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
6
Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the lemon juice, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
7
Spoon the garlic-lemon mixture over the sautéed vegetables and gently toss to coat all the ingredients. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Sautéed Vegetable Salad?
It is a vibrant dish featuring a medley of onions, green peppers, and tomatoes sautéed and tossed in a zesty garlic-lemon dressing.
What vegetables are included in this salad?
The salad consists of purple onions, green bell peppers, and large tomatoes.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegan as it contains only vegetables, oil, and spices.
Is this vegetable salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used in this Mediterranean salad are naturally gluten-free.
How should the purple onion be prepared?
The purple onion should be cut into thin strips before being added to the skillet.
What is the recommended preparation for the green bell pepper?
The green bell pepper should be seeded and then cut into thin strips.
Do I need to seed the tomatoes for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the tomatoes should be seeded before being cut into strips.
What kind of oil is best for sautéing the vegetables?
Olive oil is recommended for its flavor and healthy properties, which complement the Mediterranean style.
What spices are used in the garlic-lemon dressing?
The dressing is seasoned with ground cumin, a pinch of cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Can this salad be served cold?
The salad is best enjoyed either warm immediately after cooking or at room temperature.
How long should I sauté the onions and peppers?
You should sauté them for approximately 5-7 minutes until they soften and begin to caramelize.
How many onions do I need?
The recipe calls for one large purple onion.
How much garlic is required for the dressing?
You will need one minced garlic clove for the garlic-lemon mixture.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier taste.
What flavor does cumin add to the dish?
Cumin provides a warm, earthy, and slightly smoky aroma that is characteristic of Mediterranean cooking.
Is this dish a main course or a side?
It can be served as a flavorful side dish or as a light main course.
How should the garlic be cooked?
The minced garlic should be sautéed in the remaining olive oil for about 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
How long do the tomatoes need to cook?
Cook the tomatoes for an additional 3-4 minutes after adding them to the onions and peppers.
Should I use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, using the juice from half of a fresh lemon is recommended for the best flavor.
Can I substitute the cayenne pepper?
If you do not have cayenne, you can use paprika for color without the heat, or simply omit it.
Can I use red bell peppers instead of green?
Yes, red or yellow bell peppers can be used as a substitute for a sweeter flavor profile.
How should the tomatoes be cut?
After seeding the tomatoes, they should be cut into strips to match the shape of the onions and peppers.
Why is half the olive oil poured off before cooking the garlic?
Pouring off half the oil ensures the final dressing coats the vegetables without making the salad overly oily.
How is the garlic-lemon mixture finished?
After sautéing the garlic, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon juice and spices.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is packed with fresh vegetables and uses healthy fats from olive oil, making it a nutritious choice.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, it holds up well and can be served at room temperature, making it great for gatherings.
Do the tomatoes need to be peeled?
No, the recipe does not require peeling the tomatoes; just seeding and slicing them is sufficient.
What type of onion works best?
A large purple (red) onion is preferred for its color and mild flavor when sautéed.
What heat level should I use for sautéing?
A medium heat setting is ideal for softening the vegetables without burning them.
Does this recipe contain any added sugar?
No, this recipe does not contain any added sugar, relying on the natural sweetness of the vegetables.