Zesty Marinated Vegetable Medley
This vibrant Zesty Marinated Vegetable Medley is a delightful and colorful combination of fresh vegetables, marinated to perfection in a tangy Italian dressing. Ideal as a side dish for summer barbecues, picnics, or meal prep for a refreshing lunch, this salad bursts with flavor and nutrients. With crisp broccoli, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a mix of crunchy bell peppers and olives, each serving is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins. Enjoy this salad chilled for a refreshing bite!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
broccoli florets
5 cups (cut into small florets)
cucumbers
2 (peeled and sliced)
onion
1 (thinly sliced)
green bell pepper
1 (thinly sliced)
red bell pepper
1 (thinly sliced)
carrots
3 (peeled and thinly sliced)
black olives
5 ounces (sliced)
Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (grated)
parsley
1 tablespoon (minced)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (none)
Italian dressing
1 (8 ounce) bottle (none)
cherry tomatoes
12 ounces (halved)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, sliced cucumbers, thinly sliced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, sliced carrots, black olives, grated Parmesan cheese, minced parsley, oregano, and basil.
2
Pour the Italian dressing over the vegetable mixture and stir gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
3
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate overnight, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir the salad occasionally to ensure even marination.
4
Just before serving, fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Marinated Vegetable Medley?
It is a vibrant and colorful combination of fresh vegetables like broccoli, peppers, and cucumbers marinated in a tangy Italian dressing.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 8 servings.
Is the broccoli cooked in this salad?
No, the broccoli florets are used raw and will soften slightly as they marinate overnight.
How long should I marinate the vegetables?
For the best flavor, the vegetables should be covered and refrigerated overnight.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese.
Why are cherry tomatoes added at the end?
Cherry tomatoes are added just before serving to maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming too soft during the marination process.
What type of dressing is used for this vegetable medley?
An 8-ounce bottle of Italian dressing is used to coat the vegetables.
Are the cucumbers peeled for this recipe?
Yes, the instructions suggest peeling and slicing two cucumbers.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute fresh oregano and basil, but you may need to increase the quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated.
What kind of olives are included?
The recipe calls for 5 ounces of sliced black olives.
How should I prepare the carrots?
The carrots should be peeled and thinly sliced to ensure they absorb the marinade well.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, since it requires overnight marination, it is a perfect make-ahead dish for lunches or events.
What tools do I need to make this salad?
You will need a large mixing bowl, a knife for slicing, and a lid or plastic wrap for refrigeration.
Can I use different types of bell peppers?
Yes, while the recipe calls for green and red bell peppers, you can use yellow or orange ones as well.
How often should I stir the salad while it refrigerates?
Stirring occasionally is recommended to ensure all vegetables are evenly coated in the dressing.
Is there any salt or pepper in the recipe?
Yes, you should season with salt and pepper to taste just before serving.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This is categorized as a Vegetable dish.
Is the Parmesan cheese grated or shredded?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
What makes this salad refreshing?
The combination of chilled, crisp vegetables and the tangy dressing makes it a very refreshing side dish.
Can I substitute the Italian dressing?
While Italian is traditional for this medley, a balsamic vinaigrette or a Greek-style dressing would also work.
Are the cherry tomatoes sliced?
The cherry tomatoes should be halved before being folded into the salad.
How much broccoli is needed?
You will need 5 cups of broccoli cut into small florets.
Can I use red onion instead of a standard onion?
Yes, a red onion would be a great substitute and would add even more color to the dish.
How long will leftovers stay fresh?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, though the vegetables may lose some crunch over time.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the label on your Italian dressing to confirm it contains no gluten.
What is the best way to serve this?
It is best served chilled, making it ideal for summer barbecues or picnics.
Can I add extra protein to this salad?
Yes, adding chickpeas or grilled chicken could turn this side dish into a full meal.
What size should the vegetable slices be?
Thinly slicing the carrots, onions, and peppers is recommended for a better texture and even marination.
Is this salad spicy?
No, it is tangy and savory rather than spicy.
How much parsley is required?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of minced parsley for added freshness.