Spicy Marinated Okra Salad
Elevate your salad game with this vibrant Spicy Marinated Okra Salad. Combining the distinct flavor of fresh okra with a zesty vinaigrette, this dish brings together a delightful medley of textures and tastes. Tossed with thinly sliced onions and infused with minced garlic, it’s perfect as a side dish or a light main course. Optional tomato slices add a refreshing touch that complements the heat from the hot sauce, making this salad not only healthy but also a feast for the eyes. Perfect for summer barbecues or a wholesome lunch, indulge in this low-protein treat that’s sure to impress family and friends!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
1/2 cup (none)
white vinegar or balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
hot sauce
1/2 teaspoon (none)
small okra pods
1 lb (washed and trimmed)
small onion
1 (thinly sliced and separated into rings)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
tomatoes
to taste (sliced (optional))
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and hot sauce until well combined to create the dressing.
2
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the okra pods and blanch for 3 minutes to preserve their color and crunch.
3
Drain the okra and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process.
4
In a 12x8x2-inch dish, combine the warm okra, thinly sliced onion, and minced garlic.
5
Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the okra mixture and gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.
6
Cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to enhance the flavors.
7
Before serving, drain excess liquid and arrange the salad on a serving plate. Top with optional tomato slices for added color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Marinated Okra Salad?
It is a vibrant side dish or light main course that combines fresh blanched okra with a zesty vinaigrette, onions, garlic, and optional tomatoes.
How do I make the dressing for the okra salad?
Whisk together 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 3 tablespoons of either white or balsamic vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce.
How long should I cook the okra pods?
The okra pods should be blanched in boiling water for exactly 3 minutes to preserve their color and crunch.
What type of vinegar can I use?
The recipe allows for the use of either white vinegar or balsamic vinegar based on your preference.
How long does the salad need to marinate?
The mixture should be covered and marinated in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to enhance the flavors.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and is also tagged as a healthy, low-protein option.
Should I rinse the okra after boiling it?
Yes, after blanching for 3 minutes, drain the okra and rinse it briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process.
How should the onions be prepared for this salad?
One small onion should be thinly sliced and separated into rings before being added to the salad.
Is the Spicy Marinated Okra Salad very spicy?
The recipe contains 1/2 teaspoon of hot sauce, providing a mild heat that complements the zesty dressing.
What size dish should I use for marinating?
A 12x8x2-inch dish is recommended for combining the okra, onion, and garlic with the vinaigrette.
Are tomatoes required for this recipe?
Sliced tomatoes are optional; they can be added to the top of the salad before serving for added color and flavor.
How much okra do I need?
The recipe requires 1 pound of small okra pods that have been washed and trimmed.
Can I use more garlic in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 minced garlic clove, but you can adjust the amount to your personal taste.
Do I serve the salad with the marinating liquid?
No, you should drain the excess liquid before arranging the salad on a serving plate.
What is the primary benefit of blanching the okra?
Blanching ensures the okra maintains its vibrant green color and a desirable crunchy texture.
Is this a good recipe for summer events?
Yes, it is highly recommended for summer barbecues or as a light, refreshing lunch.
How much vegetable oil is used in the dressing?
The dressing uses 1/2 cup of vegetable oil.
Should the okra be warm when adding the dressing?
Yes, the recipe suggests combining the warm okra with the onion and garlic before pouring the vinaigrette over it.
What are the key seasonings used?
The salad is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, minced garlic, and hot sauce.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
The recipe has an ingredient count of 9, including the optional tomatoes.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, since it requires at least 2 hours of refrigeration to marinate, it is an excellent make-ahead dish.
How do I trim the okra?
Before cooking, wash the okra pods and trim the stem ends without piercing the pod itself if you wish to minimize sliminess.
Is this salad low in protein?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a low-protein recipe.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?
While the recipe calls for vegetable oil, you can substitute with olive oil for a different flavor profile.
What texture should I expect from the okra?
Because it is only blanched for 3 minutes and then marinated, the okra should remain slightly crunchy and firm.
How do I ensure the dressing is well-mixed?
Whisk the oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and hot sauce in a small bowl until the mixture is well combined before pouring.
Can I use red onions instead of a small white or yellow onion?
Yes, red onions would work well and provide an even more vibrant color to the salad.
What makes this salad 'spicy'?
The spiciness comes from the addition of hot sauce in the vinaigrette and the fresh minced garlic.
Does this recipe contain any cholesterol?
Based on the plant-based ingredients listed, this recipe is naturally cholesterol-free.
How is the salad presented for serving?
After draining, arrange the okra on a serving plate and garnish with sliced tomatoes if desired.