Introduction:
There’s nothing quite as refreshing and satisfying as a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables. Whether you’re looking for a light salad, a hearty side dish, or a versatile base for other recipes, a medley of fresh vegetables offers the perfect balance of nutrition and flavor. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, this colorful vegetable combination is not only good for your health but also incredibly easy to prepare. The best part? You can customize it to fit your taste preferences and dietary needs. In this article, we’ll show you how to create the perfect fresh vegetable medley, complete with tips, variants, and more.
Ingredients:
1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, sliced
1 bell pepper, diced (red, yellow, or green)
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup of carrots, julienned or thinly sliced
1/2 cup of sweet corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 cup of broccoli florets, steamed or raw
A handful of fresh herbs (such as parsley, basil, or cilantro)
Olive oil (for dressing)
1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Feta cheese, avocado, or olives for extra flavor and texture
Instructions:
Prepare the Vegetables:
Begin by washing all your vegetables thoroughly. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber, dice the bell pepper, and thinly slice the onion and carrots.
If using broccoli florets, you can steam them for a few minutes until tender but still crisp, or use them raw for extra crunch.
Assemble the Medley:
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the prepared vegetables: cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, carrots, sweet corn, and broccoli.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice) to create a simple dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste, and drizzle it over the vegetable mixture.
Toss and Serve:
Gently toss the vegetables in the dressing until everything is evenly coated. Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro on top for added flavor.
Optionally, add some crumbled feta cheese, avocado slices, or a few olives to give the medley a richer taste and a satisfying texture.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the fresh vegetable medley immediately as a light side dish or a healthy snack. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a standalone meal.
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Serving: This vegetable medley makes an excellent side dish or salad. It’s perfect for BBQs, picnics, or any meal that needs a fresh and crunchy addition. You can also serve it as a light lunch with a protein source like grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas.
Storing: Store leftover vegetable medley in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you’ve already added dressing, the vegetables may release water over time, so it’s best to store the dressing separately and combine just before serving. To maintain the crispness, avoid storing the salad for too long.
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