Summer Salad

To prepare a delicious and refreshing salad, we start by washing all the vegetables thoroughly under a stream of cold water, making sure to remove any impurities. This is an essential step, as we want to enjoy the freshness and authentic taste of the ingredients.

Cucumbers, the heroes of salads, can be peeled entirely or partially, depending on personal preferences. If we opt for a more artistic presentation, we can leave some green stripes, which will add a pleasant visual contrast. After peeling them, we slice them thinly, ensuring they are uniform to provide a pleasant texture with every bite.

Tomatoes, rich in vitamins and with a sweet-sour taste, are first cut in half, after which we remove the cores. Then, we slice them horizontally and finally thinly, so they integrate perfectly into the salad. Onion, with its intense aroma, is cut into thin strips, also known as 'julienne', to add a crunchy note and a distinctive flavor.

Bell pepper, in a vibrant shade of red, yellow, or green, will be cut in the same style as the tomatoes, adding a splash of color and flavor. It is important to choose fresh peppers, as they can transform an ordinary salad into a special dish.

Once all the vegetables are cut, it’s time to add them to a large platter or a deep bowl. Freshly chopped apple will be sprinkled over the vegetables, bringing a pleasant aroma and a note of freshness.

For the dressing, in a small bowl, we carefully mix extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and a delicate seasoning to obtain a homogeneous emulsion. It is essential to taste the dressing, adjusting the ingredients according to personal preferences. Once the dressing is ready, we pour it evenly over the prepared vegetables, ensuring each piece is well coated.

Finally, with the help of a spatula or a spoon, we incorporate all the ingredients, being careful not to crush the vegetables but to keep their crunchy texture. A sprinkle of freshly ground pepper will perfectly complement the salad, adding a note of intensity.

This salad is perfect as a side dish or as a light main course, ideal for hot summer days or to accompany a barbecue. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 6 medium tomatoes, 6 medium pickling cucumbers, 2 bell peppers and one for decoration, 4-5 raw onions without leaves (the onions are from my own harvest), half a bunch of dill or to taste, 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil, 5-6 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (the vinegar is made by my mother), salt, seasoning, pepper to taste.

 Tags:  tomatoes pepper olives apples gluten-free recipes lactose-free recipes vegetarian recipes