Summer salad with yogurt

Summer Salad with Yogurt – A Fresh Treat for Your Taste Buds

When the sun shines in the sky and the flowers open their petals, we all feel the need to enjoy light and flavorful dishes. The summer salad with yogurt is a true summer feast, a quick, simple, and extremely versatile recipe. I will share with you how to prepare it, along with some tricks to make it truly special.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

The history behind the summer salad is rich in nuances. It is a recipe that has been passed down through generations, adapted according to the season and available ingredients. This salad is an escape from the daily routine, an explosion of colors and flavors that reminds us of warm summer days, regardless of the season.

Ingredients

- 1 bunch of green lettuce (or red lettuce)
- 1 bunch of green onions
- 3-4 medium tomatoes
- 3-4 cucumbers
- 3-4 hard-boiled eggs
- A handful of olives (preferably green or black, to taste)
- 1 cup of fresh yogurt (ideally homemade for an authentic taste)
- 200 g cheese (you can choose feta, telemea, or goat cheese)
- 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- Slices of baguette (optional, toasted or not, with flax seeds)

Step by Step: Preparing the Summer Salad

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing all the vegetables thoroughly under cold running water. This step is essential to remove any impurities. Once done, peel the cucumbers and tomatoes (if you prefer) and cut them into small cubes or slices, depending on your preference.

2. Boiling the eggs: Place the eggs in a small pot, add cold water, and bring them to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, let the eggs cook for 8 minutes to achieve hard-boiled eggs. After boiling, cool them quickly under cold running water and peel them.

3. Preparing the dressing: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with the lemon juice. This simple dressing will add a note of freshness to your salad.

4. Mixing the salad: In a large bowl, combine all the chopped vegetables, green onions, and olives. Sprinkle salt to taste, being careful not to overdo it, as the cheese will already add a salty note.

5. Adding the yogurt: Incorporate the yogurt into the vegetable mixture and mix well. The yogurt will add a creamy texture and a special flavor to the salad.

6. Cheese and eggs: Cut the cheese into small cubes and add it to the salad, mixing gently to avoid crumbling. Cut the hard-boiled eggs into quarters or halves and place them on top of the salad, along with a handful of cheese, if desired.

7. Serving: You can serve the salad alongside toasted baguette slices with flax seeds for a crunchy and delicious contrast.

Practical Tips

- Vegan Option: You can replace the yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and the cheese with tofu or vegan cheese for a completely vegan option.
- Creative Additions: Feel free to add radishes or diced bell peppers for extra crunch and color. You can also include fresh herbs, such as basil or dill, for a more intense flavor.
- Storage: This salad keeps well in the fridge for a few hours, but it’s best enjoyed immediately to savor the freshness of the ingredients.

Nutritional Benefits

This summer salad with yogurt is not only delicious but also very healthy. Fresh vegetables are full of vitamins and minerals, while yogurt provides beneficial probiotics for digestion. The hard-boiled eggs contribute quality protein, and the cheese offers essential calcium for bones. A serving of salad contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other vegetables?
Of course! You can experiment with seasonal vegetables or your favorites. Carrots, zucchini, or even red cabbage are excellent options.

- What drinks pair well with this salad?
A fresh lemonade or a cold mint tea pairs perfectly with your salad. Additionally, a dry white wine can add a touch of elegance to the meal.

- How can I make the salad more filling?
Adding cooked chickpeas or quinoa can transform this salad into a nutrient-rich main dish.

In conclusion, the summer salad with yogurt is a simple yet full of personality recipe that will remind you of sunny days. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad will surely bring a smile to your face and your loved ones. Try it today and let yourself be carried away by the flavors of summer!