Summer platter

Summer platter with vegetables and cheeses

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 2-4

When it comes to quick and healthy meals, a summer platter is the perfect choice. This vibrant and colorful recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious, providing you with the energy you need for an entire day. Here’s how to prepare a summer platter with fresh vegetables, cheeses, and flavors that will delight your senses.

Necessary ingredients:

- 2 ripe, juicy tomatoes
- 2 crunchy cucumbers
- 1 red onion
- 1 bell pepper (preferably green or yellow)
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 slice of telemea cheese (approximately 50 g)
- 1-2 cubes of melted cheese (around 30 g)
- 2 slices of cheese (approximately 60 g)
- 1 boiled egg
- 1 slice of pressed ham (approximately 50 g)
- Fresh dill (optional, for decoration)
- Olive oil, vinegar, or lemon juice (to taste)
- Salt (optional, depending on preferences)

Preparing the ingredients:

1. Preparing the vegetables:
- Wash all the vegetables well under cold running water.
- Slice the tomatoes and cucumbers into round slices, ensuring uniform thickness for an appealing look.
- The red onion, bell peppers, and red bell pepper should also be sliced into rings or rounds to add color and texture to the platter.

2. The cheeses and egg:
- Cut the telemea cheese into cubes or slices, depending on your preference.
- The melted cheese can be cut into cubes or left in its original form for easier mixing with the other ingredients.
- Boiled eggs should be cut into quarters, and the pressed ham into slices.

3. Assembling the platter:
- In a large bowl, mix all the cut vegetables. Add the telemea cheese, melted cheese, and slices of cheese.
- Incorporate the boiled eggs and pressed ham, mixing gently to avoid breaking the shape of the ingredients.
- If desired, you can add salt to the vegetable mixture, but keep in mind that the telemea cheese is already salty.

4. Seasoning:
- You can add a drizzle of olive oil and vinegar or lemon juice to enhance the flavors. Mix gently to evenly distribute the dressing.

5. Decorating:
- Sprinkle fresh dill on top of the dish for an extra touch of freshness and color.

Serving suggestions:
This summer platter is best served cold, ideal for light lunches or quick dinners. You can accompany the salad with a slice of whole grain bread or savory crackers for added crunch. Additionally, a glass of lemonade or iced tea will perfectly complement the meal.

Useful tips:
- Choosing ingredients: Opt for seasonal vegetables, as they are tastier and more nutritious. You can replace or add other vegetables such as zucchini or carrots based on your preferences.
- Possible variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese or add olives for a more intense flavor. You can also replace the pressed ham with tuna or boiled chicken for a more protein-rich option.

Nutritional benefits:
This salad is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber due to the fresh vegetables. The cheeses provide protein and calcium, while the egg adds an additional source of quality protein. It is a low-calorie recipe, ideal for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of cheese? Of course! Feta or mozzarella cheese are excellent options.
- How can I keep the salad fresh? It is recommended to consume the salad immediately after preparation, but you can store the uncombined ingredients in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe by eliminating the cheeses and egg, adding avocado or tofu instead for a source of protein.

This summer platter is not just a simple salad, but an explosion of colors and flavors that will delight you. Enjoy it and savor every bite!