Marinated Vegetable Salad

Craving a vibrant and refreshing salad that’s packed with flavor and nutrients? Look no further! This Marinated Vegetable Salad is a delightful combination of crisp, colorful vegetables tossed in a tangy, herb-infused marinade. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Marinated Vegetable Salad

This salad is a winner for so many reasons!

• Quick & Easy Prep: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Vibrant Flavors: The marinade perfectly complements the fresh vegetables.
• Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• Versatile: Serve as a side, appetizer, or light lunch.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Flavors develop even more as it sits.
• Naturally Gluten-Free & Vegan: Suits various dietary needs.
• A colorful dish: This Marinated Vegetable Salad is full of colorfull vegetables.

The irresistible combination of flavors and textures will make this your go-to salad!

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to create this vibrant salad. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything; we’ve included substitution tips below!

For the Salad:

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Selection Tip: Choose bell peppers that are firm, bright, and free from blemishes. For the cucumber, opt for a variety with fewer seeds.

For the Marinade:

• 1/4 cup olive oil (60ml)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (30ml)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15ml)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Spice Tip: Lightly toast the dried oregano and basil in a dry pan for a minute or two to unlock their aromatic oils. This adds an extra layer of depth to the marinade!

Essential Equipment List

Having the right tools makes all the difference in the kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

• Large bowl: For tossing all the salad ingredients together.
• Small bowl: To prepare the marinade.
• Whisk: For emulsifying the marinade.
• Knife: A sharp knife is essential for slicing the vegetables.
• Cutting board: To protect your countertop while prepping.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

Optional: A mandoline can be helpful for achieving uniformly thin slices of vegetables, but it’s not necessary.

Recipe Details

• • Prep Time: 20 minutes

this …

• Chill Time: 30 minutes (minimum)
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty: Easy

This Marinated Vegetable Salad is easily scalable. Double or triple the recipe for potlucks and parties!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your own delicious Marinated Vegetable Salad.

Prepare the Vegetables:

1. Wash all the vegetables thoroughly under cold water.
2. Thinly slice the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion.
3. Halve the cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives.
4. Chop the fresh parsley.

Combine the Salad Ingredients:

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, halved olives, and chopped parsley.

Prepare the Marinade:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Ensure all the spices are evenly distributed for maximum flavor.

Marinate the Vegetables:

1. Pour the marinade over the salad in the large bowl.
2. Gently toss to coat all the vegetables evenly.

Chill and Serve:

1. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it chills, the more flavorful it becomes!
2. Before serving, toss the salad again. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light meal.

Enjoy your freshly made Marinated Vegetable Salad!

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Watermelon Salad with Feta – A refreshing summer salad!

Tips for Success

Here are a few pointers to ensure your Marinated Vegetable Salad turns out perfectly every time.

• Don’t over-marinate: While marinating enhances the flavor, leaving the vegetables in the marinade for too long can make them soggy. Stick to the recommended time of 30 minutes to 2 hours.
• Use fresh herbs when possible: Fresh herbs provide a brighter, more vibrant flavor than dried herbs. If you have access to fresh oregano and basil, use about 1 tablespoon of each, finely chopped, instead of the dried versions.
• Adjust the marinade to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or spices to suit your personal preferences. Taste the marinade before pouring it over the salad and make any necessary adjustments.
• Slice vegetables thinly: Thinly sliced vegetables absorb the marinade more effectively and are easier to eat.
• Chill the salad thoroughly: Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.

Variations & Substitutions

Want to customize your Marinated Vegetable Salad? Here are some ideas!

• • Add protein: Toss in some cooked chickpeas, grilled chicken, or feta cheese for a more substantial meal.

• Use different vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell pepper, carrots, zucchini, or broccoli.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a touch of heat.
• Sweeten it up: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the marinade for a touch of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Marinated Vegetable Salad

This versatile salad pairs well with a variety of dishes!

• Grilled meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
• Sandwiches or wraps: Add a scoop to your favorite sandwich or wrap for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Appetizer: Serve as a refreshing appetizer at your next gathering.
• Quinoa: Mix with cooked quinoa for a complete and healthy meal.

Health Benefits

This Marinated Vegetable Salad is not only delicious but also incredibly good for you!

• Rich in Vitamins: Bell peppers and tomatoes are excellent sources of Vitamin C, boosting your immune system.
• High in Fiber: The vegetables provide dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion.
• Antioxidant-Rich: Olive oil and fresh vegetables are packed with antioxidants, fighting against free radicals.
• Low in Calories: A guilt-free and satisfying way to enjoy a flavorful meal.

Storage & Reheating

Here’s how to properly store and enjoy leftovers of your Marinated Vegetable Salad:

• Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so reheating is not recommended.

Pro Tip: The flavors intensify as the salad sits, so it’s often even better the next day!

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about making this Marinated Vegetable Salad? We’ve got answers!

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can! In fact, it’s recommended to make it at least 30 minutes in advance to allow the flavors to meld. However, don’t marinate it for more than 2 hours, or the vegetables may become soggy.

Can I use different types of olives?

Absolutely! Kalamata olives add a distinct flavor, but you can substitute them with green olives, black olives, or any other variety you prefer.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Of course! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or broccoli. Just be sure to slice them thinly so they can absorb the marinade effectively.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, this salad is naturally vegan!

How long will this salad last in the refrigerator?

This salad will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container.

CHECK OUT: Simple Italian Salad – Another delicious and refreshing salad!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content per serving (approximate):

• Calories: 150
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 15g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 3g

Please note that the exact nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more vibrant and flavorful salads? Give these recipes a try!

• Cucumber Dill Salad – A light and refreshing side.
• Chickpea Tomato Basil Salad – A mediterranean delight.
• Watermelon Salad with Feta – Perfect for summer days.

Conclusion

This Marinated Vegetable Salad is a fast, flavorful, and healthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whip it up tonight and enjoy a burst of fresh flavors! Share this recipe with your friends and family who would love it! Join our vibrant community on Facebook and Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, cooking tips, and more tasty ideas!

Print