Spring salad

Salad "Love is a Salad" – A Symphony of Colors and Flavors

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

Who hasn't felt the simple joy of savoring a fresh, crunchy, and vibrant salad? "Love is a Salad" is more than just a recipe – it's a love letter to fresh ingredients and the spring season. This vibrant salad combines textures and flavors, bringing a splash of color to your plate and a boost of nutrients for your body. Let's start the culinary adventure!

Necessary ingredients:

1. 1 green lettuce (about 200g)
2. 5-6 green onion stalks
3. 5-6 red radishes
4. 3 medium tomatoes
5. 50g cooked corn kernels
6. 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil (or vegetable oil)
7. 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar (preferably balsamic or apple)
8. Salt to taste
9. 1-2 teaspoons of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
10. Water (a small amount, to thin the dressing if necessary)
11. A bunch of dill (optional, for extra flavor)

Step by step: Preparing the salad:

1. Wash and prepare the ingredients: Start by washing the lettuce leaves under a stream of cold water. This step is essential to remove any impurities. Once cleaned, roughly chop them and place them in a large bowl.

2. Chop the onion: Peel the green onion and chop it finely. Choose fresh, seasonal onion for a milder and sweeter flavor. Add the onion over the salad in the bowl.

3. Prepare the radishes: Slice the radishes thinly or into cubes, depending on your preference. Their spicy flavor will add a delicious contrast to the salad. Add the radishes to the bowl.

4. Cut the tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes, remove the stem, and chop them into cubes. Tomatoes not only add a pop of color but are also an excellent source of vitamin C. Place the tomatoes in the bowl with the other ingredients.

5. Add the corn: If you have cooked corn kernels, add them now. They will bring a sweet taste and a pleasant texture. If you don't like them, feel free to skip this step.

6. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, vinegar, salt, and sugar. Mix the ingredients well, and if desired, you can add a drop of water to thin the dressing. Taste the dressing and adjust the salt or sugar to your liking.

7. Assemble the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently mix, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly coated. Be delicate to avoid crushing the vegetables.

8. Serve with love: You can add chopped dill on top for extra flavor. The salad is ready to serve! It can be enjoyed immediately or left to sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Practical tips:

- Ingredient variations: If you want to personalize the salad, you can add avocado, cucumbers, or even feta cheese for a creamy note. A handful of nuts or seeds can add a crunchy and healthy element.
- Seasonal vegetables: Use seasonal vegetables to enjoy the best flavors and nutrients. Spring is ideal for radishes and lettuce, but you can adapt the recipe to your desired season.
- Serving: This salad is splendid as a side dish with grilled meat or fish. It can also be a light lunch alongside a slice of whole-grain bread.
- Associated drinks: Lemon and mint-infused water or a cold fruit tea pairs perfectly with your fresh salad.

Nutritional values: The "Love is a Salad" is an excellent choice for a healthy lifestyle. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, with a low calorie content, making it ideal for a balanced diet. Approximately, one serving has around 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of oil used.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I add other vegetables? Of course! Celery root or grated carrots are excellent options.
- How can I store the salad? It is recommended to consume the salad immediately after preparation, but if there are leftovers, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, without dressing, to prevent the vegetables from wilting.
- Is this salad vegan? Yes, all the ingredients used are vegan, making it a healthy choice for everyone.

In conclusion, "Love is a Salad" is not just a recipe; it is an invitation to enjoy the freshness of the season, to indulge your taste buds, and to care for your health. Each ingredient brings its own story, and together they create a dance of flavors that you won't want to miss. So, dress your culinary art with love and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!