Mixed salad for winter

Mixed Salad for Winter - A Traditional Recipe Full of Flavor and Color

Total preparation time: 24 hours (including marinating time)
Active preparation time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 jars

When it comes to winter, few things compare to the joy of opening a jar of mixed salad filled with fresh, crunchy vegetables. This recipe will not only fill your pantry with goodies but will also bring a touch of freshness to your table on the coldest days. Mixed salad is a tradition in many cultures, and every housewife has her own secrets and variations. So, let’s discover together how to prepare this delicious salad step by step!

Ingredients

- 2 kg green and ripe tomatoes
- 2 kg bell peppers
- 2 kg sweet peppers
- 2 kg larger cucumbers
- 1 kg yellow onion
- 1 kg cauliflower
- 1 kg carrots
- 300 g non-iodized salt (for pickling)
- 300 ml vinegar
- 300 g sugar
- 2 teaspoons salicylic acid
- Allspice berries (1 berry for each jar)
- Mustard seeds (a few for each jar)
- Peppercorns (optional)
- Bay leaves (1-2 for each jar)
- Dried dill (1-2 tablespoons for each jar)
- 2 roots of horseradish

Preparing the vegetables

1. Washing and cleaning: Start by washing all the vegetables under cold running water. Make sure each vegetable is clean, as this will affect the final flavor of the salad. Remove the cores and seeds from the tomatoes, seeds from the bell and sweet peppers, and peel the cucumbers if you prefer a finer texture.

2. Cutting the vegetables: Use a grater or a food processor to cut the vegetables into small pieces. This will not only save you time but will also ensure uniformity in preparation. If you don’t have a food processor, a manual grater will work just as well, but it may take a bit longer.

3. Cauliflower and carrots: Break the cauliflower into small florets and grate the carrots. These vegetables add a crunchy texture and a subtle flavor to your salad.

Marinating the salad

4. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all the cut vegetables. Add the salt, vinegar, and sugar. Mix vigorously with a spatula to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated. This mixture will start to release juices, which will help in their marination.

5. Letting it marinate: For optimal results, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it sit at room temperature for 12-24 hours. This step is essential as it allows the vegetables to blend their flavors and become more tender.

Bottling the salad

6. Preparing the jars: Make sure the jars are clean, dry, and cool. It’s important that there is no water inside them, as this can affect the preservation of the salad. You can sterilize the jars by boiling them or using a sterilization cycle in the oven.

7. Filling the jars: The next day, take the vegetable mixture and fill each jar with it, leaving a little space at the top. Each jar should contain one allspice berry, a few mustard seeds, a bay leaf, a tablespoon of dried dill, and a piece of horseradish.

8. Sealing the jars: Seal each jar tightly with a lid. This is a crucial step to ensure good preservation during winter.

Storage

9. Storing the jars: Place the jars in a cool, dark place, preferably in your pantry. It is important to avoid exposure to sunlight, as heat can affect the quality of the ingredients.

Serving and combinations

The mixed salad can be served as a side dish alongside meat dishes, but also as a fresh salad in an appetizer style. A delicious combination is alongside a pork or grilled chicken steak. You can also use it as a filling for sandwiches or to add flavor to an omelet.

Nutritional benefits

This salad is full of fresh vegetables, making it a healthy choice. The vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and the horseradish adds a spicy kick and benefits for digestion. Each serving contains about 50-100 calories, depending on the ingredients and quantities you use, making it a light and healthy option for your meals.

Variations and useful tips

- Vegetable variations: You can add or substitute some ingredients based on preferences. For example, you can include zucchini or cabbage, depending on the season.
- Adjusting sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter salad, feel free to add more sugar according to your taste.
- Using spices: Experiment with other spices, such as cumin or hot pepper, to give a unique flavor.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
It is not recommended, as the texture of frozen vegetables changes and they will not have the same fresh taste.

2. How long can the salad be kept?
If the jars are sealed tightly and stored properly, the salad can last up to a year.

3. Can I use a different vinegar?
Yes, you can experiment with apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar to achieve different flavors, but be careful with the proportions.

In conclusion, mixed salad for winter is a simple yet flavorful traditional recipe. Not only will it bring a touch of freshness to your winter table, but it will also help you preserve your favorite vegetables in a delicious way. So, don’t hesitate to put your cooking skills to the test and create your own jars full of goodies! Enjoy your meal!