Summer mixed salad

Summer Mixed Salad

Every summer, when the sun shines in the sky and flowers display their most beautiful colors, a mixed salad becomes the perfect choice for a fresh and tasty meal. This recipe is not only simple and quick, but it also combines diverse flavors and textures, turning every meal into an unforgettable culinary experience. The summer mixed salad is a versatile dish, ideal for quick lunches as well as festive dinners.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 1/2 small cabbage
- 4-5 potatoes
- 2 bell peppers (preferably one red and one green for a color contrast)
- 3 cucumbers
- 4-5 tomatoes
- 1 can of corn (optional, but recommended for added sweetness and texture)
- 1 packet of Knorr Mediterranean salad dressing
- A bunch of fresh parsley (for a fresh taste and a hint of aroma)

For decoration:
- 2 hard-boiled eggs
- Tomato slices
- Bell pepper slices
- A few sprigs of parsley
- Fresh or marinated mushrooms (for a gourmet look)

For mayonnaise:
- 2 raw egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon of mustard
- Salt to taste
- Juice of one lemon
- 300 ml oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil, depending on preference)
- 200 g sour cream (for a creamy texture and rich taste)

Preparation:

1. Start by boiling the potatoes with their skins on. Make sure to choose medium-sized ones that will cook evenly. Boil them for about 20-25 minutes, depending on size, until they are soft but not mushy. Once done, let them cool, then peel and cut them into cubes. Drizzle them immediately with a little oil to prevent oxidation.

2. Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables. Clean the cabbage, bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Slice the cabbage thinly, and cut the bell peppers and cucumbers into slices. The tomatoes can be cut into quarters or rounds, depending on your preference. If you choose to add corn, drain it well and rinse it under cold water.

3. In a large bowl, combine all the chopped vegetables. This is the moment to add the Knorr Mediterranean salad dressing, which will give the salad a refreshing note. Mix well to ensure the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients.

4. After mixing the vegetables, put the bowl in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is essential to allow the flavors to blend and intensify.

5. Meanwhile, you can prepare the mayonnaise. In a small bowl, mix the egg yolks with a pinch of salt. Add the mustard and start pouring in the oil gradually, whisking constantly. This process will help emulsify the mayonnaise. When the mayonnaise begins to thicken, add the lemon juice, then adjust with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, fold in the sour cream to achieve a creamy texture and rich flavor.

6. Once the mayonnaise is ready and the vegetables have cooled, combine the mayonnaise with the vegetable salad, mixing gently to avoid crushing the ingredients.

7. Decorate the salad with diced hard-boiled eggs, tomato slices, bell peppers, mushrooms, and a few sprigs of fresh parsley. This will not only look wonderful but will also add an extra burst of flavor.

8. Serve the salad cold, as a main dish or as a side with grilled meat. It’s a perfect accompaniment for a summer meal with friends and family.

Useful tips:
- You can customize this summer mixed salad by adding other favorite ingredients, such as olives, avocado, or feta cheese.
- If you want to turn it into a vegan dish, you can replace the mayonnaise with a yogurt or tahini-based dressing.
- For an exotic flavor note, add some nuts or toasted seeds.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals due to the fresh vegetables. Potatoes provide complex carbohydrates that will give you energy, while the vegetables are full of fiber, essential for healthy digestion. A serving of summer mixed salad contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of mayonnaise used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Although fresh vegetables provide the best texture and taste, you can also use frozen vegetables. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before use.

2. How can I keep the salad from becoming soggy?
To keep the salad crunchy, store the dressing separately until serving time. Also, you can add wet ingredients, such as tomatoes, just before serving.

3. What can I accompany this salad with?
The summer mixed salad pairs perfectly with grilled meat, fish, or as a filling for sandwiches. You can also enjoy it with a refreshing drink, such as a fruit cocktail or a glass of mineral water with lemon.

In the end, this summer mixed salad is not just a recipe, but a true celebration of flavors and colors. So gather your loved ones and enjoy wonderful moments sharing a delicious meal!