Marinated Vegetable Salad

 A Marinated Vegetable Salad is a light yet flavorful dish where fresh vegetables are marinated in a tangy and aromatic dressing. The marinating process enhances the flavors, making it an excellent side dish or light meal. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, sliced or diced

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), chopped

1 cup broccoli florets (blanched or raw)

1/2 cup carrots, thinly sliced or julienned

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (optional)

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Marinade/Dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tbsp red wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar)

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp dried basil (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

Wash and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. You can choose to blanch the broccoli florets by briefly steaming them for 2-3 minutes, then cooling them in ice water. This will make them tender yet crisp.

2. Make the Marinade/Dressing:

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

3. Combine the Vegetables and Dressing:

In a large bowl, combine all the prepared vegetables and olives (if using).

Pour the marinade over the vegetables and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

4. Marinate the Salad:

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour, allowing the vegetables to absorb the flavors. You can marinate it longer (up to 4 hours) for even more flavor, but it can be served right away if you're short on time.

5. Serve:

Before serving, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve chilled.

Tips:

Add protein: For a heartier salad, you can add marinated tofu, grilled chicken, or chickpeas.

Make it vegan: The recipe is already vegan, but feel free to skip the honey or use maple syrup as a sweetener.

Customize: You can add any other veggies you like, such as zucchini, cauliflower, or green beans.

This Marinated Vegetable Salad is a refreshing, tangy dish that's perfect for summer or as a side to grilled meats. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it gets, making it an excellent make-ahead option!