Best 2 Cold Vegetable Salad Recipes

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Cold vegetable salads are a refreshing and delicious way to enjoy fresh vegetables. They are perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a light and healthy lunch or dinner option. With endless variations and customizable ingredients, there's a cold vegetable salad recipe for everyone. From classic potato salads to crunchy Asian slaw, vibrant Greek salads to hearty lentil salads, the possibilities are endless. Whether you prefer creamy dressings, tangy vinaigrettes, or a simple drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice, this article will guide you in finding the perfect combination of flavors and textures to create a cold vegetable salad that will delight your taste buds.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

COLD VEGETABLE SALAD



Cold Vegetable Salad image

A nice alternative to a pasta salad. Great for those upcoming summer picnics! Note prep time includes chill time.

Provided by Mary Scheffert

Categories     Pork

Time 8h10m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

various assorted fresh vegetable, cut into bite-sized pieces (such as cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, sweet peppers, onions, etc.)
4 -5 slices bacon, cooked until crisp & crumbled
1/2 cup Miracle Whip
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup oil
1/4 cup vinegar

Steps:

  • Combine vegetables in a large bowl.
  • Mix dressing ingredients in a small saucepan; cook over low heat, stirring constantly.
  • Allow mixture to boil for a few minutes, then cool thoroughly.
  • Pour dressing over vegetables& allow to marinate overnight.
  • Just before serving, top with crumbled bacon.

GARDEN VEGETABLE COLD PASTA SALAD



GARDEN VEGETABLE COLD PASTA SALAD image

Categories     Pasta     Buffet     Healthy

Yield 6 bowls

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 lb. Pasta (mezzi rigatoni)
1 Yellow or Orange Pepper cut bitesized
1 Red Onion sliced thinly
6-7 Cloves Garlic minced
2-3 Hard Boiled Eggs, cut up
3-4 Radishes, sliced
1 can Lg. Black Olives,sliced
7 Cooked, Sliced Ital. Sausage
1 pt. Grape Tomatoes
1 reg. jar Roasted Red Pepper, cut up in pieces
Handful (1/2 C.)Basil chopped
Handful (1/2 C.)Parsley chopped
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes to taste
Good Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Large Handful Parmesan or Romano Cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta al dente and drain. Add and mix some olive oil to coat the pasta and all the garlic and toss. Add all other ingredients (saving parsley and basil for last) Add additional olive oil and parmesan/romano to taste. Cover and chill til serving. Good to use at parties, for a dinner accompanied with a salad, and for a lunch dish. To keep this a vegetarian dish simply omit the italian sausage.

Tips:

  • Fresh is Best: Use fresh, crisp vegetables for the best flavor and texture. Fresh vegetables will also provide more nutrients.
  • Variety is Key: Include a variety of vegetables to add different flavors, textures, and colors to the salad. Aim for a mix of crunchy, soft, and leafy vegetables.
  • Prep Ahead: Save time by prepping the vegetables in advance. You can chop, slice, and dice the vegetables and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Choose Colorful Vegetables: Colorful vegetables are not only visually appealing, but they also provide a variety of nutrients. Aim for a mix of brightly colored vegetables, such as red, orange, yellow, and green.
  • Don't Overdress: A light dressing will help to enhance the flavor of the vegetables without overpowering them. Use a ratio of 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar or lemon juice as a starting point.
  • Season to Taste: Once you've added the dressing, taste the salad and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, herbs, or spices.
  • Let it Chill: For the best flavor, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to absorb the dressing.

Conclusion:

Creating a delicious and refreshing cold vegetable salad is a simple yet rewarding task. With a variety of vegetables, a light dressing, and a bit of creativity, you can create a salad that is both tasty and nutritious. Experiment with different vegetables, dressings, and toppings to find your perfect combination. Whether you're serving it as a side dish, main course, or light lunch, a cold vegetable salad is a healthy and delicious option that everyone will enjoy.

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