Imagine a dish that embodies the elegant simplicity of French cuisine while delivering a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors. This Vegetables with Yogurt Dressing is not just a salad—it's a culinary journey that captures the essence of French women's legendary approach to eating: delicious, nutritious, and utterly sophisticated. With just a few fresh ingredients and minimal preparation, you'll create a stunning side dish that promises to elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash all vegetables thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or residue.
- Using a sharp knife, dice the cucumber into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/2 inch in size. Place diced cucumber in a large mixing bowl.
- Core and seed the bell peppers, then dice them into similar-sized pieces as the cucumber. Add to the mixing bowl.
- Gently halve the cherry tomatoes using a sharp knife, ensuring each half remains intact. Add these to the vegetable mixture.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the yogurt dressing by combining plain yogurt, olive oil, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Whisk the dressing ingredients together until smooth and well incorporated, creating a creamy consistency.
- Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Pour the yogurt dressing over the prepared vegetables and gently toss to ensure even coating.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and vegetables to chill.
- Before serving, give the salad a final gentle stir and transfer to a serving platter or individual plates.
Tips
- Choose the freshest vegetables possible for maximum flavor and crunch. Look for firm, bright-colored bell peppers and crisp cucumbers.
- For the best yogurt dressing, use full-fat Greek yogurt which provides a richer, creamier texture.
- Chill your serving plates beforehand to keep the salad cool and refreshing, a classic French serving technique.
- Dice vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even coating and a beautiful presentation.
- Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
- For an extra gourmet touch, garnish with fresh herbs like chopped chives or dill just before serving.
- Use freshly ground black pepper and high-quality sea salt to enhance the dressing's flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 10mg
