Vibrant Summer Vegetable Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
Brighten up your summer gatherings with this Vibrant Summer Vegetable Salad. Combining fresh zucchini, yellow squash, and sweet corn, this colorful dish captures the essence of summer in every bite. The zesty citrus vinaigrette, made with freshly squeezed orange and lime juice, adds a delightful tang that complements the crisp vegetables perfectly. Ideal for cookouts, picnics, or as a refreshing side dish, this salad not only looks beautiful but also holds together well, making it a carefree addition to any outdoor dining experience. Your taste buds will thank you for this refreshing, nutritious treat!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
1 1/2 cups (julienned (1-inch long))
Yellow Squash
1 1/2 cups (julienned (1-inch long))
Fresh Corn Kernels
1 cup (about 2 ears)
Red Pepper
1/2 cup (julienned (1-inch long))
Red Onions
3 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Flat Leaf Parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Fresh Basil
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
Fresh Orange Juice
3 tablespoons (juiced)
Fresh Lime Juice
1 1/2 tablespoons (juiced)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 teaspoons
Honey
2-3 teaspoons
Red Wine Vinegar
1 teaspoon
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Black Pepper
1/8 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Begin by prepping all your vegetables. Julienne the zucchini and yellow squash into 1-inch long strips, chop the red pepper into similar-sized strips, and finely chop the red onions, parsley, and basil.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the julienned zucchini, yellow squash, corn kernels, red pepper, red onions, parsley, and basil. Toss gently to combine.
3
To prepare the citrus vinaigrette, whisk together the fresh orange juice, lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, honey, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
4
Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetable mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure everything is well coated.
5
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled for a refreshing taste experience.
6
Enjoy your Vibrant Summer Vegetable Salad at your next cookout or picnic!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Vibrant Summer Vegetable Salad?
It is a refreshing, colorful dish featuring zucchini, yellow squash, and corn tossed in a zesty citrus vinaigrette.
What vegetables are included in this salad?
The salad includes zucchini, yellow squash, fresh corn kernels, red pepper, and red onions.
How should the zucchini and yellow squash be prepared?
They should be julienned into strips that are approximately 1 inch long.
What ingredients are in the citrus vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette consists of orange juice, lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, honey, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
While fresh corn is recommended for the best summer flavor, thawed frozen corn can be used as a substitute.
What herbs are used in this vegetable salad?
The recipe calls for fresh flat leaf parsley and finely chopped fresh basil.
Is this salad suitable for outdoor events?
Yes, it is ideal for cookouts, picnics, and outdoor dining because it holds together well.
How much orange juice is needed for the dressing?
You will need 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice.
Can I make this salad vegan?
To make it vegan, simply substitute the honey in the vinaigrette with maple syrup or agave nectar.
How many ears of corn do I need?
You will need approximately 2 ears of corn to get 1 cup of fresh kernels.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The exact serving size is not specified, but the recipe uses approximately 5 cups of vegetables plus dressing.
Should the red onions be chopped finely?
Yes, the red onions should be finely chopped for even distribution of flavor.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of red wine vinegar.
Is the corn cooked or raw in this salad?
The recipe uses fresh corn kernels; they can be used raw for a crisp texture or lightly blanched if preferred.
Can I substitute the extra virgin olive oil?
You can use any neutral-flavored oil, but extra virgin olive oil provides the best flavor for the vinaigrette.
How many ingredients are in the total recipe?
There are 14 total ingredients used in this salad and dressing.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It is best served chilled as a refreshing side dish.
Can I add other vegetables to the mix?
Yes, you could easily add cherry tomatoes or cucumber to increase the vegetable variety.
What gives the salad its tanginess?
The combination of fresh lime juice and red wine vinegar provides the signature tang.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs are recommended for vibrancy, but if using dried, reduce the amount to about one-third of the fresh measurement.
How do I emulsify the dressing?
Whisk the juices, oil, honey, and vinegar together in a small bowl until they are thoroughly combined.
How long will leftovers keep in the fridge?
The salad will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What is the purpose of the honey in the dressing?
The honey acts as a sweetener to balance the acidity of the citrus and vinegar.
Is this a light or heavy dish?
It is a light and nutritious salad, making it a perfect healthy treat for summer.
What type of parsley should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for flat leaf parsley.
Can I use bottled juices?
Freshly squeezed juices are preferred for the best citrus flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
Does the recipe contain any sodium?
The recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of salt for seasoning.
Can I prepare the vegetables a day in advance?
Yes, you can chop the vegetables ahead of time, but it is best to add the dressing at least 30 minutes before serving for optimal texture.