Winter salad with mustard dressing

Winter Salad with Mustard Dressing: a Sweet and Sour Delight for Cold Days

Who doesn't love a fresh vegetable salad, full of color and flavor, to brighten up our winter meals? The winter salad with mustard dressing is an exceptional appetizer that combines textures and flavors, making it a perfect companion for any festive or casual meal. This recipe is not only delicious but also very easy to prepare, featuring a mix of seasonal vegetables that enrich the dish with essential vitamins and minerals.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

For the salad:
- 1 kg carrots
- 1 kg bell peppers
- 1 kg green tomatoes
- 1 kg sweet peppers
- 4 celery stalks
- 1 kg onions
- 1 large cauliflower

For the mustard dressing:
- 400 g mustard
- 500 g oil

For blanching the vegetables:
- 750 g water
- 300 g vinegar
- 250 g sugar
- 3 tablespoons salt

Personal note: Add a few finely chopped parsley leaves before serving for a fresh taste and a touch of color!

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the vegetables:
Start by washing all the vegetables well. Grate the carrots and celery on a large grater, while the other vegetables - green tomatoes, bell peppers, sweet peppers, and cauliflower - should be cut into appropriately sized cubes. Slice the onions thinly.

2. Boiling the vegetables:
In a large pot, bring the water, vinegar, sugar, and salt to a boil. Let it boil a few times. Then, blanch the vegetables one by one, each for 4-5 minutes, until they become slightly soft but still crunchy. Be careful not to overcook them, as texture is essential for the salad.

3. Draining the vegetables:
After blanching all the vegetables, remove them using a slotted spoon and place them in a colander. Let them drain well so that excess water does not affect the mustard dressing.

4. Preparing the mustard dressing:
In a bowl, place the mustard and start adding the oil gradually, drizzling it in while constantly mixing. This process will ensure a uniform emulsification of the dressing. If, by chance, the dressing curdles, don’t worry! You can quickly fix it by adding a few drops of lemon juice.

5. Mixing the vegetables with the dressing:
Once the vegetables have completely cooled, pour the mustard dressing over them and gently mix with a spatula until all the vegetables are evenly coated.

6. Bottling the salad:
Fill the jars with the salad, making sure to pack them well to remove air from inside. Place slices of garlic on top and add a tablespoon of oil or a teaspoon of mustard to retain the intense flavor.

Practical tips:
- Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for optimal taste. A winter salad is an excellent opportunity to utilize preserved vegetables.
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can add a few black peppercorns or a bay leaf during boiling.
- The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for a few weeks, making it perfect for preparing in advance for festive meals.

Nutritional benefits:
This salad is rich in vitamins A and C, thanks to the carrots and peppers, which help strengthen the immune system. Onions and garlic contribute to cardiovascular health, while cauliflower provides essential fiber for digestion.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I add other vegetables? Sure! You can experiment with other vegetables like zucchini or cabbage, depending on your preferences.
- How can I serve the salad? This salad is perfect as a side dish for meats or as an appetizer alongside warm homemade bread. You can pair it with a dry white wine or a fruit cocktail.

Combine this salad with other seasonal recipes, such as a vegetable soup or a cheese platter to create a complete and flavorful meal. Let your imagination soar and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen! The winter salad with mustard dressing is a simple and quick recipe, but with a big impact on the flavor and presentation of your meal. Bon appétit!