Patriotic Garden Salad
Celebrate the flavors of summer with this vibrant Patriotic Garden Salad. The combination of cool, crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes creates a refreshing base, while the borage flowers add an eye-catching burst of blue to this beautiful dish. Fresh dill enhances the salad with its subtle cucumber taste, perfectly balancing the creamy yogurt dressing. Ideal for barbecues, picnics, or any festive gathering, this salad not only delights the palate but also serves as a stunning centerpiece for your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
yogurt
3/4 cup (plain, preferably Greek)
course black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
white sugar
1 teaspoon (granulated)
rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon (for dressing)
chopped fresh dill
1 teaspoon (finely chopped)
fresh grated lemon peel
1/8 teaspoon (zest of a lemon)
finely grated Vidalia onion
1/4 teaspoon (fresh)
salt
to taste (regular)
cucumbers
2 (peeled, seeded, and diced)
fresh tomatoes
3 (sliced)
fresh borage flowers
10 (edible, for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine yogurt, coarse black pepper, white sugar, rice wine vinegar, chopped dill, grated lemon peel, finely grated Vidalia onion, and a pinch of salt to taste. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
2
Cover and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3
While the dressing is chilling, prepare the cucumbers by peeling, seeding, and dicing them into bite-sized pieces.
4
Slice the tomatoes and arrange them in a circular pattern, slightly overlapping, around the edge of a chilled serving platter.
5
Once the dressing has chilled, fold in the diced cucumbers gently until they are well-coated.
6
Spoon the cucumber mixture into the center of the platter, creating a generous mound that touches the inner edge of the tomatoes.
7
Just before serving, artfully place the borage flowers atop the salad for a stunning presentation and a hint of freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Patriotic Garden Salad?
It is a refreshing summer dish featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, and a creamy yogurt dressing garnished with blue borage flowers.
What ingredients are used in the dressing?
The dressing consists of Greek yogurt, black pepper, sugar, rice wine vinegar, fresh dill, lemon peel, Vidalia onion, and salt.
How long should the dressing be chilled?
The dressing should be covered and refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld properly.
How do I prepare the cucumbers for this salad?
Cucumbers should be peeled, seeded, and diced into bite-sized pieces before being folded into the dressing.
How should the tomatoes be arranged?
Slice the tomatoes and arrange them in a circular, slightly overlapping pattern around the edge of a chilled serving platter.
Are borage flowers edible?
Yes, borage flowers are edible and are used in this recipe as a garnish to add a burst of blue color and freshness.
What type of yogurt is best for the dressing?
Plain yogurt is used, but Greek yogurt is preferred for its thick and creamy consistency.
What does the dill contribute to the flavor?
Fresh dill provides a subtle cucumber-like taste that perfectly balances the creamy yogurt dressing.
Why is seeding the cucumbers important?
Seeding the cucumbers helps prevent the salad from becoming too watery, ensuring the dressing stays creamy.
What is the recommended serving platter temperature?
It is recommended to use a chilled serving platter to keep the ingredients crisp and refreshing.
How many borage flowers are needed for the garnish?
The recipe calls for 10 fresh borage flowers to be artfully placed atop the salad.
Can I use a different type of onion?
While Vidalia onion is recommended for its sweetness, you could substitute other mild or sweet onion varieties.
How should the cucumbers be combined with the dressing?
Once the dressing has chilled, gently fold in the diced cucumbers until they are thoroughly coated.
Where does the cucumber mixture go on the platter?
Spoon the cucumber mixture into the center of the platter so it creates a mound touching the inner edge of the tomatoes.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Patriotic Garden Salad is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe specifies one tablespoon of rice wine vinegar for the dressing.
How much lemon zest is required?
You will need 1/8 teaspoon of finely grated lemon peel or zest.
Is the salad healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy dish using fresh vegetables and a yogurt-based dressing.
What occasion is this salad best for?
It is ideal for barbecues, summer picnics, or any festive gathering like Independence Day.
How many tomatoes are needed?
The recipe requires 3 fresh tomatoes, which should be sliced for the arrangement.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
Yes, it includes 1 teaspoon of granulated white sugar in the dressing mixture.
What kind of pepper should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground coarse black pepper.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing needs at least 30 minutes to chill and can be prepared in advance.
What is the texture of the final salad?
The salad features crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes combined with a smooth and creamy dressing.
How many cucumbers are used?
The recipe calls for 2 cucumbers that are peeled, seeded, and diced.
Is the dill fresh or dried?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh dill.
When should I add the borage flowers?
Place the borage flowers on the salad just before serving for the best presentation.
How is the onion prepared?
The Vidalia onion should be finely grated to integrate smoothly into the dressing.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The specific serving size is not provided, but the ingredients suggest it serves a medium-sized group.
Can I add other herbs to this salad?
While dill is the primary herb, you could experiment with parsley or mint for different flavor profiles.