summer vegetable salad

The Ultimate Summer Vegetable Salad Recipe

Nothing says summer like the smell of a freshly-prepared garden salad. The seasonal bounty of locally-grown vegetables comes together in this delicious and nutritious recipe that’s perfect for a light meal or an accompaniment to your favorite grilled meats. Bursting with flavor, this Summer Vegetable Salad is complex in its flavor profile, yet simple in its execution.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups tomatoes, diced
• 2 cups cucumbers, peeled, diced
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1-2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all of the diced vegetables into a large bowl.

2. In a separate bowl, mix together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano and salt to create a dressing.

3. Drizzle the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.

4. Serve chilled or at room temperature with a freshly-baked slice of homemade focaccia.

The vegetables in this recipe are absolutely bursting with flavor, and the oregano adds a fresh and aromatic finish. The light oil and vinegar dressing lets the flavors of the vegetables shine through, so all you need is a bit of salt to bring out the best in this salad.

This salad is a great way to make the most of the bounty of seasonal vegetables while they are at their peak of freshness and flavor. For a light summer meal, serve this salad alongside some grilled chicken, or jazz it up by adding some locally-caught seafood to the mix for a truly unique flavor experience. It can also be used as a bed for some classic Italian dishes like chicken parmesan – the possibilities are endless!