Moldovan Garden Fresh Salad
This vibrant Moldovan Garden Fresh Salad is a delightful medley of colorful vegetables that not only brightens up your table but also provides a healthy and refreshing option for meals. Passed down through generations, this recipe captures the essence of Moldovan cuisine with its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Enjoy the crisp crunch of cucumbers, the juiciness of ripe tomatoes, and the sweetness of bell peppers, all tossed in a zesty dressing and topped with crumbly feta cheese. Perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a light side dish to complement any main course, this salad is sure to impress family and friends alike!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomatoes
4 (medium, diced)
Cucumbers
5 (small, peeled & diced)
Italian bell peppers
2 (cored, seeded & diced (pale green frying))
Red onion
1/2 (finely chopped)
Fresh parsley
1/4 (chopped)
Red wine vinegar
3 (tablespoons)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Feta cheese
4 (ounces, grated coarsely)
Olive oil
1/4 (cup)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, peeled and diced cucumbers, diced bell peppers, finely chopped red onion, and chopped parsley. Toss gently to mix the vegetables evenly.
2
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
3
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat all the vegetables evenly with the dressing.
4
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to chill.
5
Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasonings as needed. If desired, add more salt, pepper, or vinegar to suit your taste.
6
Just before serving, sprinkle the coarsely grated feta cheese over the top of the salad. Do not mix it in; instead, let it sit on top for a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Moldovan Garden Fresh Salad?
It is a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, tossed in a zesty dressing and topped with feta cheese, capturing the essence of traditional Moldovan cuisine.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What are the main vegetables used in this salad?
The primary vegetables are 4 medium tomatoes, 5 small cucumbers, 2 Italian bell peppers, and half a red onion.
What kind of bell peppers are best for this Moldovan salad?
The recipe specifically calls for Italian pale green frying peppers, which are cored, seeded, and diced.
Should the cucumbers be peeled?
Yes, the instructions recommend using 5 small cucumbers that have been peeled and diced.
What is the dressing made of?
The dressing is a simple emulsified mixture of olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
How much olive oil and vinegar do I need?
You will need 1/4 cup of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of feta cheese, which should be coarsely grated.
When should I add the feta cheese?
Sprinkle the feta cheese over the top just before serving. Do not mix it in to ensure a beautiful presentation.
How long does the salad need to chill?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Is this salad suitable for summer events?
Yes, it is perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing light side dish.
Is this Moldovan Garden Fresh Salad healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy option packed with fresh vegetables and heart-healthy olive oil.
Can I substitute the red wine vinegar?
While red wine vinegar is traditional for the zesty flavor, you could use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute.
Is the red onion finely chopped or sliced?
The recipe specifies that the red onion should be finely chopped.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Fresh parsley is recommended for the best flavor and vibrant green color, but dried can be used in a pinch at a smaller quantity.
How should I combine the dressing?
Whisk the olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a separate small bowl until they are well combined and emulsified before pouring over the vegetables.
Do I need to add the salt and pepper at a specific time?
Salt and pepper are whisked into the dressing, and you can adjust the seasoning further just before serving.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is best made at least an hour ahead. You can prepare it several hours in advance, but add the feta only at the last moment.
Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian as it contains only vegetables, cheese, and dressing ingredients.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based feta alternative.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
What size should the tomatoes be?
The recipe calls for 4 medium-sized tomatoes.
Can I use a different type of oil?
Olive oil provides the best traditional flavor, but you can use other neutral oils if preferred.
How should the feta cheese be prepared?
The feta should be coarsely grated rather than crumbled for this specific presentation.
What tools do I need for this recipe?
You will need a large mixing bowl for the vegetables, a small bowl for the dressing, a whisk, and a knife for dicing.
Can I add other herbs to the salad?
While parsley is traditional, you could also add fresh dill or basil for additional flavor profiles.
Why shouldn't I mix the feta cheese in?
Leaving it on top provides a beautiful visual contrast and prevents the cheese from becoming too mushy or clouding the dressing.
What should I do if the salad tastes too bland?
Taste the salad before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or vinegar levels to suit your personal preference.
How long do leftovers stay fresh?
The salad is best eaten within 24 hours as the vegetables will release water and lose their crunch over time.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Absolutely! It is a simple, colorful, and mild-flavored salad that kids and adults alike generally enjoy.