Sunny English Garden Salad
Experience the freshness of a charming English garden with this delightful salad featuring tender potatoes, vibrant green beans, and crisp cucumber, all tossed together for a refreshing taste. Enhanced with a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, zesty mustard, and a hint of honey, this salad is perfect for gatherings or as a light meal. Garnished with cubes of your favorite cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh mint leaves for an aromatic finish, this salad is a celebration of flavors that can be enjoyed throughout the year!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potato
1 lb (unpeeled and sliced)
Green Onion
1 bunch (chopped)
Green Beans
2/3 lb (cut)
Cucumber
1/2 (sliced thin)
Cheese
4 ounces (cubed (your choice))
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
1 1/2 ounces (soaked and chopped)
Fresh Mint Leaves
1/4 cup (chopped)
Mayonnaise
4 tablespoons (none)
Mustard
1 tablespoon (none)
Honey
1 tablespoon (none)
Instructions
1
1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the sliced potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes until tender but not mushy.
2
2. After 10 minutes, add the cut green beans to the pot and cook for an additional 7 minutes. Drain the potatoes and beans, then transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
3
3. To the bowl, add the chopped green onions, thinly sliced cucumber, and half of the cubed cheese and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Gently toss the ingredients together to combine them well.
4
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, and honey until smooth and creamy. Pour this dressing over the salad mixture, ensuring everything is well-coated.
5
5. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheese and freshly chopped mint leaves on top of the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
6
6. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the burst of flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Sunny English Garden Salad?
It is a fresh and vibrant salad featuring tender potatoes, green beans, and crisp cucumber tossed in a creamy honey-mustard dressing.
How long do I need to cook the potatoes?
The sliced potatoes should be boiled in salted water for approximately 10 minutes until they are tender but not mushy.
When should I add the green beans to the pot?
Add the cut green beans to the pot after the potatoes have already been cooking for 10 minutes.
How long do the green beans need to boil?
The green beans should cook for an additional 7 minutes once added to the boiling potatoes.
What are the ingredients for the dressing?
The creamy dressing is made by whisking together 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of mustard, and 1 tablespoon of honey.
Should I peel the potatoes for this recipe?
No, the recipe recommends using 1 lb of unpeeled, sliced potatoes for a rustic texture.
What kind of cheese should I use?
You can use 4 ounces of any cubed cheese of your choice, such as cheddar, feta, or gouda.
How should the sun-dried tomatoes be prepared?
The 1.5 ounces of sun-dried tomatoes should be soaked and then chopped before being added to the salad.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
This salad is versatile and can be served either chilled or at room temperature.
Is the Sunny English Garden Salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains only vegetables, cheese, and dressing components.
How much fresh mint is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of freshly chopped mint leaves for an aromatic finish.
What type of mustard is best for the dressing?
The recipe suggests a zesty mustard to enhance the flavor of the creamy dressing.
Can I add salt and pepper?
Yes, you should season the salad with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
How do I assemble the salad?
Toss the boiled vegetables with onions, cucumber, and half the cheese/tomatoes, then coat with dressing and top with remaining garnishes.
How many green onions are needed?
The recipe requires one full bunch of chopped green onions.
Can I use frozen green beans?
While fresh is preferred for a garden salad, frozen cut green beans can be used if boiled until tender.
What is the weight of the green beans needed?
You will need 2/3 lb of cut green beans for this recipe.
How should I slice the cucumber?
The half-cucumber should be sliced thin to distribute its crunch throughout the salad.
What is the purpose of the honey in the dressing?
The tablespoon of honey provides a hint of sweetness to balance the zesty mustard and creamy mayonnaise.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe with simple boiling and mixing steps.
What makes this an 'English Garden' style salad?
The use of classic garden staples like potatoes, green beans, cucumber, and fresh mint gives it its characteristic English garden flair.
Can this salad be a main meal?
Yes, it is hearty enough to be a light meal but also works perfectly as a side dish for gatherings.
How much cheese do I save for the topping?
The instructions suggest mixing half the cheese into the salad and sprinkling the remaining half on top at the end.
What type of potato is best?
Waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes work best as they hold their shape well after boiling.
How do I ensure the dressing is smooth?
Whisk the mayonnaise, mustard, and honey together in a separate small bowl before pouring it over the salad.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
For a different flavor profile, you could try Greek yogurt, though the traditional recipe uses mayonnaise.
Is this a good dish for summer?
Yes, its fresh ingredients and chilled serving option make it an ideal summer dish.
Does the recipe require a specific type of honey?
Any standard liquid honey will work well to blend into the dressing.
Should I drain the vegetables immediately?
Yes, drain the potatoes and beans immediately after cooking to prevent them from becoming overcooked or mushy.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe uses 10 main ingredients, excluding optional salt and pepper.