Savory Creole Garden Salad
Embrace the vibrant flavors of the South with this Savory Creole Garden Salad. This refreshing dish highlights the natural sweetness of freshly picked tomatoes paired with crisp green pepper and briny olives. The zesty dressing, infused with aromatic herbs, elevates the salad into a delightful medley of flavors that tantalize your taste buds. Perfect as a side dish or a light lunch, this salad pays homage to Creole cuisine and is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the burst of colors and tastes that this dish brings to your table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Tomatoes
3 (Coarsely chopped)
Green Pepper
1 (Coarsely chopped)
Stuffed Green Olives
4 (Coarsely chopped)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (N/A)
White Wine Vinegar
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Dried Basil
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Garlic Powder
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Dried Thyme
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Cayenne Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (N/A)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the tomatoes and green pepper under cold water to ensure freshness.
2
Coarsely chop the fresh tomatoes, green pepper, and stuffed green olives into bite-sized pieces, then set them aside in a large mixing bowl.
3
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, dried basil, garlic powder, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper until well combined to create a flavorful dressing.
4
Pour the dressing over the chopped vegetables and gently toss everything together until the veggies are evenly coated with the dressing.
5
Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Creole Garden Salad?
It is a refreshing Southern-inspired dish that highlights fresh tomatoes, crisp green peppers, and briny olives with a zesty herb dressing.
What are the main ingredients for this salad?
The salad consists of fresh tomatoes, green pepper, stuffed green olives, olive oil, white wine vinegar, dried basil, garlic powder, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper.
How should I prepare the tomatoes for this recipe?
You should rinse the tomatoes under cold water and then coarsely chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Can I use different types of olives?
While the recipe calls for stuffed green olives, you can substitute them with black olives or Kalamata olives if you prefer.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
This recipe specifically uses one tablespoon of white wine vinegar for the dressing.
Is Savory Creole Garden Salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is 100% vegetarian as it contains only vegetables, olives, oil, vinegar, and spices.
Is this salad vegan-friendly?
Yes, this salad is vegan as it does not contain any animal-derived products.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
Preparation takes about 10 to 15 minutes, plus an additional 10 minutes of resting time to let flavors meld.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas to turn this side dish into a more filling meal.
What gives this salad its Creole character?
The combination of tomatoes, green peppers, and aromatic herbs like thyme and basil, along with a hint of cayenne, reflects Creole culinary traditions.
How do I make the dressing?
Whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, dried basil, garlic powder, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh basil and thyme; typically you should use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
Should the salad be served cold?
Yes, it is best served chilled or at room temperature for maximum freshness.
Why should the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving?
Allowing the salad to sit lets the vegetables absorb the dressing and helps the different flavors meld together.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can chop the vegetables ahead of time, but it is best to add the dressing shortly before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.
What are some good pairing options for this salad?
It pairs beautifully with grilled seafood, roasted meats, or crusty French bread.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Is this salad spicy?
It has a very mild heat from the 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which provides flavor without being overly spicy.
Can I substitute the olive oil?
You can use avocado oil or a similar neutral oil, though olive oil provides the most authentic flavor for this dish.
How many tomatoes do I need?
The recipe requires 3 fresh tomatoes, coarsely chopped.
What kind of green pepper should I use?
A standard green bell pepper works perfectly for this recipe.
Can I use red wine vinegar instead of white?
Yes, red wine vinegar is a suitable substitute if you do not have white wine vinegar on hand.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including the vegetables and the spices for the dressing.
Can I add onions to this salad?
Yes, adding sliced red onions or green onions would complement the other Creole flavors nicely.
How should I prepare the green olives?
The stuffed green olives should be coarsely chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Can I omit the cayenne pepper?
Yes, if you prefer a completely mild salad, you can leave out the cayenne pepper without affecting the core recipe.
Is this salad considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy option as it is low in calories and packed with fresh vegetables and heart-healthy fats.
What are the suggested tags for this recipe?
Suggested tags include creole salad, fresh vegetables, healthy side dish, and summer salad.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to rinse the tomatoes and green pepper under cold water to ensure they are clean and fresh.