Vegetable Salad with Olives

Vegetable Salad with Olives - a Feast of Freshness and Color

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Who doesn't love a fresh salad filled with colorful vegetables and delicious flavors? The vegetable salad with olives is not only a simple and quick dish but also a symbol of the summer season when vegetables are at their tastiest. This dish can be served as an appetizer or as a side dish alongside a juicy steak, and the combination of boiled vegetables and olives adds a touch of sophistication to your meal.

The history of the salad is closely linked to culinary traditions around the world, being a dish that has evolved over time. From simple salads with basic ingredients to elaborate ones with refined dressings, each culture has contributed something unique to the evolution of this recipe. So, let’s venture into preparing a vegetable salad with olives that will delight your taste buds!

Ingredients:
- 1 kg potatoes
- ½ red beet
- 1 kohlrabi
- 5 carrots
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or sunflower oil, according to preference)
- 15-20 olives (green or black, to taste)
- 1 lettuce (for decoration)
- 1 lemon (juice)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley (for decoration)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the vegetables
To achieve a perfect salad, it is important to boil the vegetables separately. Start by peeling the potatoes, beet, kohlrabi, and carrots. Cut the vegetables into similarly sized pieces for even boiling.

Step 2: Boiling the vegetables
Place the potatoes in a pot with cold water and a pinch of salt, then add the beet, kohlrabi, and carrots one by one, ensuring each vegetable is cooked just right. The potatoes and carrots will boil in about 15-20 minutes, while the beet may take a little longer, and the kohlrabi will take about 10-12 minutes. Check with a fork if the vegetables are tender, but don’t let them become too soft.

Step 3: Cutting the vegetables
Once the vegetables are boiled, drain them and let them cool slightly. Then, cut them into slices or cubes according to your preferences. Here you can get creative with shapes!

Step 4: Preparing the olives
Meanwhile, drain the olives and cut them in half. They will add a savory note to your salad. Black olives have a more intense flavor, while green ones are crunchier and slightly salty – choose the ones you like best!

Step 5: Combining the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the boiled vegetables with the chopped olives. Mix gently to avoid mashing them.

Step 6: The dressing
In a small bowl, mix the lemon juice with the olive oil. You can add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This simple dressing will highlight the flavors of the vegetables and add a fresh note to your salad.

Step 7: Assembling the salad
Pour the dressing over the vegetable and olive mixture, mixing gently to blend the flavors.

Step 8: Serving
Transfer the salad to a large serving bowl and garnish with lettuce leaves and chopped fresh parsley. This garnish not only looks good but also adds a fresh flavor.

Practical tips:
- Be careful not to overcook the vegetables, as the crunchy texture is essential for this salad.
- You can also add other favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or cucumbers for an extra freshness.
- If you like a stronger flavor, you can add some stuffed olives (for example, with almonds or peppers).
- The salad can be served either cold or at room temperature.

Nutritional benefits:
This salad is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber due to the variety of vegetables used. Potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, beets contain antioxidants and can help improve blood circulation, and olives are rich in healthy fats. A serving of this salad can contain approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of oil used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes, you can add cubes of feta cheese or canned tuna to make the salad even heartier.

2. How can I store the salad for the next day?
If you want to keep it, I recommend not adding the dressing until serving to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.

3. What other dishes can it be combined with?
This salad pairs perfectly with grilled fish, chicken meat, or even as a vegetarian main dish. You can enjoy a serving alongside a slice of whole grain bread.

I hope this vegetable salad with olives recipe inspires you to spend more time in the kitchen and enjoy the delights you can create. Whether you prepare it for yourself, family, or friends, each bite will bring a touch of joy and health! Enjoy your meal!