Quick Salad

Quick Summer Salad – An Oasis of Freshness on Busy Days

Who hasn’t woken up one morning, realized that time is not on their side, and wondered: 'What will I eat today?' The ideal answer is a quick salad, full of color and flavor, that will not only satisfy your taste buds but also energize you for the entire day.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Number of servings: 2

Ingredients:
- 2 ripe and juicy tomatoes
- 1 chili pepper (or sweet, if you prefer a milder taste)
- 1 cup of boiled corn (about 150 g)
- A handful of olives (green or black, as preferred)
- 100 g of grated telemea cheese
- 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Preparing the Salad:

1. Wash the ingredients: Start by carefully washing the tomatoes and the pepper. It’s essential to use fresh vegetables to ensure a delicious taste and a crunchy texture.

2. Cut the vegetables: Cut the tomatoes into large cubes and the pepper into thin strips. If using chili pepper, be careful with the amount – you can start with half and adjust to your taste.

3. Add the corn: If you have fresh boiled corn, great! If not, canned corn works perfectly. Add the corn kernels to the bowl with the vegetables.

4. Incorporate the olives: Toss the olives into the bowl, halved or whole, depending on your taste. Olives add extra flavor and a perfect contrast to the sweetness of the tomatoes.

5. Telemea cheese: Sprinkle the grated telemea cheese over the vegetable mix. This will add creaminess and a salty taste that will harmonize beautifully with the other ingredients.

6. Season: Add the olive oil and freshly ground pepper. Gently mix the ingredients so that the flavors combine without crushing the vegetables.

A Personal Note:
For a burst of flavor, you can also add a few leaves of fresh basil or chopped parsley. The flavors of fresh herbs will transform this quick salad into a Mediterranean delicacy.

Serving Suggestion:
This quick salad is perfect for an energizing breakfast or a light lunch. Serve it alongside a slice of toasted bread, which you can spread with a bit of butter or olive paste. A portion of feta cheese will perfectly complete the meal.

Nutritional Benefits:
This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals due to the fresh vegetables. Tomatoes are an excellent source of antioxidants, especially lycopene, which contributes to heart health. Corn provides fiber and healthy carbohydrates, essential for energy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add cucumbers, radishes, or even avocado for a creamy touch.

2. How can I turn this salad into a main dish?
Add some grilled chicken cubes or canned tuna to turn the salad into a hearty lunch.

3. What drinks pair well with this salad?
A glass of mineral water with lemon or a mint iced tea would be perfect accompaniments.

4. What are possible variations?
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, and feel free to add nuts or seeds for an extra crunch.

Conclusion:
This quick salad is the perfect recipe for days when time is limited, but you want to enjoy a healthy and tasty meal. With simple ingredients and a quick preparation, you will always have a delicious solution at hand for any moment of the day. Enjoy your meal!