Zesty Marinated Garden Vegetable Medley
Inspired by a classic recipe from 'Taste of Home', this vibrant Zesty Marinated Garden Vegetable Medley is a go-to dish for fresh, healthy eating any time of the year. Bursting with colorful veggies such as crisp celery, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers, this salad is not only delightful but highly customizable. While the original recipe calls for cauliflower, feel free to incorporate your favorite vegetables such as broccoli, summer squash, or zucchini to suit your taste. The flavors blend beautifully as the salad marinates, creating a refreshing and tangy accompaniment to any meal. Enjoy it as a light lunch, a side dish at gatherings, or as a healthy snack, making it a staple in your weekly meal prep!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
sliced celery
2 cups (thinly sliced)
cauliflower
2 cups (thinly sliced (or substitute with broccoli, summer squash, or zucchini))
cherry tomatoes
2 cups (halved)
carrots
2 cups (thinly sliced)
cucumbers
2 cups (sliced (preferably pickling cucumbers))
onion
1 medium (thinly sliced and separated into rings)
olive oil
3/4 cup (as dressing base)
fresh parsley
1/2 cup (minced)
white wine vinegar
3 tablespoons (as dressing acid)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
ground mustard
1 teaspoon (as seasoning)
pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced celery, cauliflower (or your chosen substitute), halved cherry tomatoes, sliced carrots, sliced cucumbers, and onion rings. Mix gently to distribute the vegetables evenly.
2
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced parsley, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, ground mustard, and pepper until well combined to create a zesty dressing.
3
Drizzle the dressing over the mixed vegetables and gently toss until all the vegetables are evenly coated in the marinade.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
5
Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss again and use a slotted spoon to serve, ensuring each plate includes a variety of delicious marinated vegetables.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Marinated Garden Vegetable Medley?
It is a vibrant, fresh salad made with a variety of crisp vegetables like celery, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers tossed in a tangy, zesty marinade.
What vegetables are traditionally used in this recipe?
The recipe includes sliced celery, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, and onion rings.
Can I substitute the cauliflower with other vegetables?
Yes, you can easily substitute cauliflower with broccoli, summer squash, or zucchini based on your personal preference.
How long should the vegetables marinate?
The vegetables should refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though letting them sit overnight allows the flavors to meld best.
Is this vegetable medley vegan-friendly?
Yes, all the ingredients including the dressing are 100% plant-based and vegan.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this vegetable medley is naturally gluten-free.
What kind of dressing is used for the marinade?
The marinade is a zesty dressing made from olive oil, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, fresh parsley, salt, ground mustard, and pepper.
What type of cucumbers should I use?
While any cucumber works, pickling cucumbers are preferred for their crunch.
How should I prepare the cherry tomatoes?
The cherry tomatoes should be halved to allow them to better absorb the marinade.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a classic dish found in 'Taste of Home'.
How should the onions be prepared?
The onion should be thinly sliced and separated into individual rings.
Is fresh parsley required?
Fresh minced parsley is recommended for the best flavor, using about 1/2 cup.
How do I serve the marinated vegetables?
Give the salad a gentle toss before serving and use a slotted spoon to plate the vegetables.
Why is a slotted spoon recommended for serving?
A slotted spoon allows you to serve the vegetables without including too much of the liquid marinade on the plate.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Absolutely; because the flavors develop over time, it is an excellent choice for weekly meal prep.
How much olive oil is in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of olive oil.
What type of vinegar is used?
White wine vinegar is used to provide the acidic, tangy base for the dressing.
Does the recipe use garlic?
Yes, it includes one minced clove of garlic for extra flavor.
Is there any sugar in the dressing?
No, this recipe does not contain any added sugar.
Can I add summer squash?
Yes, summer squash is a highly recommended addition or substitution for cauliflower.
What amount of carrots is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of thinly sliced carrots.
How much celery is used?
You will need 2 cups of thinly sliced celery for this recipe.
What seasonings are in the marinade?
The dressing is seasoned with salt, ground mustard, and black pepper.
Is this a good side dish for gatherings?
Yes, it is a refreshing and tangy accompaniment that pairs well with many different meals at parties.
How do I mix the dressing?
Whisk the oil, vinegar, garlic, parsley, and spices in a separate small bowl before adding to the vegetables.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients used to make this medley.
Can I use broccoli instead of cauliflower?
Yes, broccoli is a perfect substitute if you prefer it over cauliflower.
Should the salad be covered while in the fridge?
Yes, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid while it marinates to keep it fresh.
Is the salad served hot or cold?
This salad is served cold after being refrigerated for at least 2 hours.
How do I ensure even coating of the dressing?
Drizzle the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss them until every piece is evenly coated.