Fat grass salad

Grass Salad – An Explosion of Freshness on Your Plate

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

I present to you a salad recipe full of freshness and flavor, which will surely become a summer favorite. Grass salad combines fresh vegetables with aromatic herbs, offering a refreshing taste in every bite. It is a simple, quick recipe, ideal as a side dish or even as a main course on hot days.

The history of this salad is fascinating. Used for centuries, grass has been appreciated not only for its refreshing taste but also for its nutritional benefits. This salad is an excellent way to add more vegetables and herbs to your daily diet, thus contributing to a healthy lifestyle.

Ingredients:
- 200g grass (about 4-5 handfuls)
- 6 ripe tomatoes
- 1 large cucumber
- 100g croutons (preferably whole grain)
- 1 bunch of fresh mint
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 medium onion
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- Juice of one lemon
- 2 tablespoons of vinegar (wine or balsamic)
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper (optional)
- Fresh thyme (optional)
- Salt to taste

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing all the vegetables and greens thoroughly. Make sure there are no traces of pesticides or dirt. Drain them well to avoid diluting the salad's flavor. Tear the grass leaves into smaller pieces for easier chewing. Grass is rich in vitamins and minerals, with a slightly sweet taste that pairs perfectly with tomatoes and cucumbers.

Step 2: Cutting the vegetables
Cut the tomatoes and cucumber into cubes the same size as the croutons to achieve a uniform texture. Slice the onion thinly, and if you prefer a milder taste, you can soak it in cold water for 10 minutes. This will reduce its intensity.

Step 3: Chopping the greens
Chop the mint and parsley finely. These fresh herbs not only add a rich flavor but also a boost of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Mint, in particular, has calming properties, while parsley is an excellent detoxifier.

Step 4: Preparing the dressing
In a large bowl, prepare the dressing by mixing the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, pepper, and salt. If you have fresh thyme available, add a few leaves, as it will enhance the flavor of your salad. Mix well to ensure all ingredients combine perfectly.

Step 5: Assembling the salad
Add all the ingredients to the bowl with the dressing: grass, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, mint, parsley, and croutons. Gently mix to avoid crushing the vegetables. The croutons will add a crunchy texture, while the fresh vegetables will provide a vibrant color contrast.

Step 6: Serving
Let the salad sit for a few minutes for the flavors to meld. You can serve it immediately or refrigerate it to enjoy later. It pairs perfectly with grilled steak or as a side for a light meal. I also recommend it alongside a glass of dry white wine, which will complement the flavors of the salad.

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with different types of croutons: rye bread or even different spices.
- If you are looking for a vegan option, you can replace the croutons with nuts or seeds for added crunch.
- The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, but I recommend adding the croutons just before serving to keep them crunchy.

Nutritional benefits:
This salad is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, thanks to the fresh vegetables and herbs. Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, while grass is an excellent source of fiber. Olive oil brings healthy fats that are beneficial for the heart.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Of course! You can add bell peppers, carrots, or even avocado to diversify the texture and flavors.
2. Is the salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Absolutely! This grass salad is completely vegetarian and offers plenty of nutrients.
3. How can I keep the salad fresh longer?
Keep the ingredients separate (the marinated vegetables and croutons) and mix them only before serving.

Conclusion:
Grass salad is an excellent choice for hot days, offering a delicious mix of flavors and textures. The simplicity of this recipe makes it easy to prepare, and the freshness of the ingredients will impress any occasion. Don't hesitate to personalize your recipe with your favorite ingredients and turn every meal into a celebration of taste!