Vegetable salad with cheese and pretzels

Raw Vegetable Salad with Cheese and Pretzels – Cool Off This Summer with a Burst of Flavors!

Summer is the perfect season to enjoy fresh salads, and the raw vegetable salad with cheese and pretzels is the ideal choice. This simple yet delicious recipe combines the freshness of vegetables with the crunchy texture of pretzels, turning every meal into a true feast of flavors. I invite you to discover the steps to prepare this easy-to-make salad, packed with vitamins and taste.

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

Ingredients:
- 2 large, ripe, juicy tomatoes
- 1 fresh cucumber
- 1 red or white onion, depending on preference
- 100 g feta cheese or cottage cheese
- 100 g dry pretzels
- 50 g olives (optional, but recommended)
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil (or sunflower oil, based on preference)
- salt, to taste
- fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or basil), for added flavor

The history of raw vegetable salad is fascinating, being a popular dish in many cultures. The version with cheese and pretzels is a modern reinterpretation of traditional salads, bringing a familiar and comforting taste, perfect for warm summer evenings.

Step by step to achieve the perfect salad:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by washing the tomatoes and cucumber well under cold running water. It is important to ensure that all ingredients are fresh to achieve a salad full of flavor and nutrients.

2. Cutting the vegetables:
- Cut the tomatoes into slices or cubes, depending on your preference. If you want a more elegant salad, opt for thin slices.
- Slice the cucumber thinly to add a crunchy and refreshing note.
- Slice the onion thinly. This will add a slightly spicy flavor to the salad, but remember to rub it with salt to reduce its intensity.

3. Mixing the ingredients:
In a large salad bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, and onion. Add the olives, if you chose to use them – they will provide a distinct flavor and a pleasant contrast of textures.

4. Adding the cheese:
Break the feta cheese or cottage cheese into suitable pieces and add it to the salad. The cheese will bring creaminess and a salty taste, perfectly balanced with the fresh vegetables.

5. Crunchy pretzels:
Break the pretzels into smaller pieces and add them to the salad. They will add extra crunch and make the salad a more substantial dish.

6. Seasoning:
Add salt to taste and drizzle with olive oil. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Don't forget to add the fresh herbs, which will provide an extra touch of freshness and color.

7. Serving:
The raw vegetable salad with cheese and pretzels should be served immediately to maintain the crunchiness of the pretzels. You can pair it with a cold lemonade or a winter mint tea to complete the culinary experience.

Tips and useful advice:
- Choose seasonal vegetables to get the best flavors and nutrients.
- If you want a lighter version, you can omit the cheese or use a vegan alternative.
- You can also add other ingredients like avocado, bell peppers, or radishes to diversify the salad.
- For a more intense flavor, you can use herb-infused olive oil.

Nutritional benefits:
This salad is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, being low in calories. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, cucumbers are hydrating, and cheese provides essential proteins. Additionally, pretzels add complex carbohydrates, giving you the energy needed for an active day.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with feta cheese or goat cheese for a different taste.
- How can I store the salad for later? It is recommended to consume it immediately, but you can keep the ingredients separate (the vegetables and pretzels) and combine them before serving.

I wish you much success in preparing this delicious salad and I am sure it will become one of your favorites for warm summer days! Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent around the table with your loved ones!