Evening salad

Evening Salad – a quick and delicious recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 2

An evening salad is not just a light dish, but also an opportunity to get your essential nutrients after a long day. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines fresh and aromatic ingredients, offering a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Whether you're coming home tired from work or simply want to enjoy a light dinner, this salad will delight you with every bite.

The history of salads is fascinating – they have been part of people's meals since ancient times, enriching diets with vitamins and minerals while also adding color and freshness. Today, salads are appreciated not only for their nutritional benefits but also for their versatility in cooking.

Your ingredients for the evening salad are as follows:

- 1 head of lettuce (you can use romaine, iceberg, or any other preferred type)
- 3-4 green onions
- 5-6 radishes
- 100 g Kalamata olives
- 4 fresh mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 boiled eggs
- salt, to taste
- juice of 1 lemon
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients

Start by washing all the vegetables thoroughly under cold running water. Make sure the lettuce is clean and fresh, choosing vibrant green leaves without blemishes. The green onions and radishes should be firm and crunchy.

Step 2: Cutting and assembling the salad

- Tear the lettuce into large pieces so it's easy to eat.
- Slice the green onions into rounds, and the radishes can be sliced or diced, depending on your preference.
- The Kalamata olives can be used whole or halved to add an extra touch of flavor.

In a large bowl, add all the cut ingredients: lettuce, green onions, radishes, and olives. Gently mix them with a wooden spoon to avoid damaging the texture.

Step 3: Preparing the mushrooms

In a non-stick pan, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Clean the mushrooms and slice them thinly. Add the mushrooms to the pan and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become golden and soft. This is when the mushrooms release their delicious aromas!

Step 4: Final assembly

Once the mushrooms are sautéed, add them to the bowl with the salad. Gently mix to combine all the ingredients. Now, add the boiled eggs, cut into quarters or slices, and sprinkle a tablespoon of grated Parmesan on top.

To finish the salad, squeeze the lemon juice over the mixture and sprinkle salt to taste. The lemon will add a fresh flavor and help balance the aromas.

Serving suggestion

The evening salad can be served immediately, but if you want the flavors to meld better, let it sit in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes before serving. This can be an ideal side dish for grilled meats or fish, but can also be enjoyed as a main dish alongside a slice of whole-grain bread or a croissant.

Tips and variations

- If you want to add even more vegetables, you can include diced bell pepper or avocado for a creamy texture.
- Substitute Parmesan with feta cheese or mozzarella for a different note.
- Add some nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrients.
- Instead of boiled eggs, you can try poached eggs for a more elegant presentation.

Nutritional benefits

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, being an excellent source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Lettuce and radishes are high in vitamin C, while mushrooms provide antioxidants. Kalamata olives offer heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, and eggs add a boost of quality protein.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Yes, you can use champignon or shiitake mushrooms, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I keep the salad from browning?
Add lemon juice immediately after cutting the vegetables; this will help prevent oxidation.

3. Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Absolutely! You can omit the eggs or replace them with a vegan alternative like tofu.

4. What drinks pair well with this salad?
A dry white wine or a cold mint tea would perfectly complement meals with the evening salad.

In conclusion, the evening salad is a versatile and easy-to-make recipe that will delight you with its fresh taste and crunchy texture. Experiment with the ingredients, add your personal touch, and enjoy every meal!