Mixed Salad

Salad with Everything: An Explosion of Flavors in Every Bite

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Do you want a quick salad, full of flavors and colors? The salad with everything is the perfect answer for those days when the fridge seems to be a real challenge. Inspired by the tradition of cooking with fresh ingredients, this salad gives you the freedom to create a personalized dish, full of taste and vitality, using whatever you have on hand.

A brief story about salad

Salads have been part of human nutrition since ancient times. They reflect not only the diversity of ingredients but also the creativity of those who prepare them. The salad with everything is a perfect example of "seasonal buying," a dish that adapts to what you have in the fridge. The secret of this salad lies in the use of creamy cheese, like feta, which brings a rich flavor and a unique texture.

Ingredients (according to taste and preferences)

- Tomatoes (fresh and juicy)
- Raw cucumber (crunchy and refreshing)
- Bell pepper (colorful, sweet or spicy, according to preferences)
- Red onion (for an extra flavor)
- Cold cuts (bologna, kaiser, Victoria salami - the choice is yours)
- Telemea cheese or Bulgarian feta-like cheese (creamy and salty)
- Olive oil (for a fine dressing)
- Wine vinegar (for a note of acidity)
- Salt and pepper (to enhance the flavors)

Preparing the salad step by step

1. Cleaning and chopping the vegetables: Start by cleaning the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion. One of the secrets of this salad is finely chopping the vegetables. Use a sharp knife to get uniform cubes, which will contribute to a pleasant texture.

2. Chopping the cold cuts: Choose your favorite cold cuts and chop them finely. They will add a savory taste to the salad and create a pleasant contrast with the fresh vegetables.

3. Cheese: Cut the cheese (feta or telemea) into small cubes. This step is essential because the cheese will mix perfectly with the other ingredients, giving them a creamy and delicious taste.

4. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all the chopped ingredients: vegetables, cold cuts, and cheese. This is when the magic begins!

5. Preparing the dressing: Add salt and pepper to taste. Olive oil and wine vinegar are essential for creating a tasty dressing. Pour the oil and vinegar over the salad and mix vigorously. This is the second secret of the salad: vigorous mixing will allow the oil to blend with the cheese, forming a creamy dressing that will coat all the ingredients.

6. Serving: A creative idea is to serve the salad in tortilla cones. This will not only make the dish more appealing but will also add a crunchy texture. Garnish the salad with olives for extra flavor and a beautiful appearance.

Practical tips for a perfect salad

- Choose fresh ingredients: The taste of the salad largely depends on the quality of the ingredients. Buy seasonal vegetables, which are more flavorful and healthier.
- If you don't have feta cheese: You can opt for goat cheese or mozzarella, both bringing a different but delicious taste.
- Vary the cold cuts: Experiment with different types of cold cuts or even add cooked chicken cubes for a heartier version.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other vegetables? Of course! You can add ingredients such as avocado, carrots, or olives for a personalized version.
- How can I store the salad? The salad is best consumed fresh, but if there are leftovers, you can store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
- Is it a vegetarian recipe? If you choose to exclude the cold cuts, the salad becomes completely vegetarian.

Nutritional benefits

This salad is full of essential vitamins and minerals. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, cucumbers provide hydration, and cheese offers protein and calcium. Additionally, olive oil is an excellent source of healthy fats.

Delicious combinations

The salad with everything can be served as an appetizer or as a side dish alongside grilled meat or fish dishes. You can also pair it with a glass of white wine or iced tea for a perfect summer meal.

Personal note

I fondly remember the moments spent with family, when everyone would bring their favorite ingredient to complete the salad. This recipe is more than just a simple salad; it is a symbol of creativity and the joy of cooking together.

I encourage you to experiment with the ingredients and bring a touch of your personality to every serving. Enjoy your meal!