Summer salad with yogurt dressing

Summer Salad with Yogurt Dressing - An Explosion of Flavors and Colors

Who doesn't love a fresh salad on warm summer days? This summer salad with yogurt dressing is not only simple but also a true celebration of seasonal vegetables. It's a quick recipe, perfect for light lunches or refreshing dinners. Get ready to indulge your taste buds!

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients

For the salad:
- 1 fresh green lettuce
- 1 bunch of radishes
- 3 gherkin cucumbers
- 5 green onions
- 4 pickled cucumbers
- sea salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 4 slices of bread

For the dressing:
- 10 tablespoons yogurt
- 6 tablespoons sour cream
- 4 pickled cucumbers, finely chopped
- olive oil, for drizzling

Recipe History

Summer salad is a traditional recipe that has evolved over time, becoming a versatile dish adaptable to available ingredients. Each region has added a personal touch to this dish, and the combination of fresh vegetables with a creamy dressing is a universal favorite. The use of yogurt and sour cream in the dressing adds a note of freshness and lightness, perfect for warm days.

Preparing the Salad

1. Preparing the Vegetables
Start by washing each leaf of green lettuce under a stream of cold water. This will remove any impurities and keep the lettuce crisp. After washing the lettuce, slice it into thin strips, first lengthwise, then widthwise, to get small, easy-to-eat pieces.

2. The Base Layer
Place the sliced lettuce in a wide serving bowl. A flat dish will allow you to create visible layers, making the salad more appealing. Sprinkle a little sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil over the lettuce to enhance the flavors.

3. Additional Vegetables
Wash and peel the other vegetables. Slice the gherkin cucumbers thinly, trimming the ends. Use a slicing device or a sharp knife to achieve uniform slices. Do the same with the radishes; slice them thinly. Add the sliced green onions on top of the salad.

4. The Vegetable Layer
Arrange the cucumbers and radishes over the salad in layers. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground pepper, then add another drizzle of olive oil and white wine vinegar to complete the flavors.

5. Preparing the Croutons
Cut the four slices of bread into cubes. Place them on a tray and put them in a preheated oven at 150°C on a fan setting. Leave them until they become slightly golden, being careful not to burn them, as we only want to achieve a crispy texture.

Preparing the Dressing

1. Mixing the Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, add the yogurt and sour cream. Mix well to obtain a smooth composition. Add salt to taste and the finely chopped pickled cucumbers. This dressing will add a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors.

2. Serving
Place the salad bowl on the table, the crispy croutons on a separate platter, and the yogurt dressing bowl in the middle. This way, everyone can serve themselves according to their preferences. We recommend drizzling a little olive oil over the croutons for added flavor.

Practical Tips

- Choose fresh ingredients: Buy vegetables from the market or trusted supermarkets. The freshness of the vegetables will make a big difference in the final taste of the salad.
- Customize the dressing: You can add freshly chopped dill or garlic for an extra flavor boost in the yogurt dressing.
- Vary the vegetables: This salad is extremely versatile. You can add cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or grated carrots to diversify the flavors and colors.
- Enrich with proteins: Add cubes of feta cheese or cooked chicken to turn the salad into a main dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use Greek yogurt?
Yes, Greek yogurt will provide a creamier texture and richer flavor.

2. How can I keep the salad fresh?
Before adding the dressing, keep the salad and croutons separate in the refrigerator. Mix just before serving.

3. Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Of course! You can replace yogurt and sour cream with plant-based alternatives, such as coconut or soy yogurt.

Nutritional Benefits

This summer salad is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and minerals. Green lettuce is rich in fiber, aiding digestion, while cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories. Radishes have detoxifying properties, and yogurt and sour cream provide proteins and beneficial probiotics for gut health.

Estimated calories per serving: 150-200, depending on the ingredients used and the amount of dressing added.

This summer salad with yogurt dressing can be perfectly paired with a refreshing lemonade or a dry white wine, which will complement the flavors and add a touch of elegance to the meal. Give it a try, and each bite will bring you closer to the perfect summer! Enjoy!