Spring mixed salad

Spring Mixed Salad: An Explosion of Flavors and Colors!

If you're looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal, the spring mixed salad is the perfect choice! This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it's also extremely versatile, allowing you to adapt it based on the ingredients you have on hand. I invite you to discover each step of this recipe in an engaging and inspiring way!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 3

Ingredients:

For the salad:
- 1 fresh, crunchy green lettuce
- 2 medium-sized potatoes
- 1 can of yellow beans (250 g)
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 1 medium red onion
- 4 eggs
- 200 g cherry tomatoes

For the vinaigrette:
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons vinegar (preferably white wine)
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the base ingredients
Start by washing the potatoes well and boiling them in their skins. This method not only preserves nutrients but also helps achieve a delicious texture. Place the potatoes in a pot with cold water and add a teaspoon of salt. Boil for about 20 minutes or until tender, being careful not to let them fall apart. Once done, remove them from the water and let them cool slightly, then peel and cut into cubes.

Step 2: Preparing the eggs
Meanwhile, place the eggs in a pot of cold water. Boil them for 10-12 minutes to achieve hard-boiled eggs. After boiling, place them under cold running water to stop the cooking process and make peeling easier. Peel the eggs and cut them in halves or quarters, depending on your preference.

Step 3: Assembling the salad
In a large bowl, add the washed and chopped green lettuce, the boiled potato cubes, the hard-boiled eggs, the thinly sliced red onion, the drained and rinsed yellow beans, and the halved cherry tomatoes. For an extra burst of flavor, add the finely chopped fresh dill.

Step 4: Preparing the vinaigrette
In a jar with a lid, add the crushed garlic, Dijon mustard, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Shake the jar well until all ingredients are emulsified and the dressing becomes creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired.

Step 5: Serving
Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to combine all the ingredients. The salad is now ready to be served! You can enjoy it immediately or let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Variations and serving suggestions:
This spring mixed salad can be customized according to your preferences. If you have tuna or olives, add them to transform the salad into a delicious Niçoise variant. You can also add avocado for a creamy texture or bell peppers for extra crunch.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This salad is not only delicious but also healthy! A serving contains approximately 350 calories, being rich in protein due to the eggs and beans, as well as fiber from the fresh vegetables. Additionally, olive oil provides healthy fats to the diet, and dill is a good source of antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other vegetables instead of yellow beans?
Of course! You can use peas, corn, or even steamed vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower.

2. What is the best type of oil for vinaigrette?
Extra virgin olive oil is ideal for vinaigrettes due to its intense flavor and health benefits.

3. How can I keep the salad fresh for longer?
Store the ingredients separately and assemble the salad just before serving. This way, the salad will remain crunchy and full of flavor.

I hope you enjoyed this spring mixed salad recipe! It's an excellent option for a quick lunch or a light dinner, perfect for family meals or gatherings with friends. Enjoy your meal!