Are you ready to turn up the heat this Valentine's Day without stepping near a stove? Our Red Hot Valentine's Day Salad is a vibrant, fresh masterpiece that promises to spark romance with every crisp, colorful bite! This isn't just another boring salad – it's a passionate culinary declaration of love that combines zesty radishes, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a tantalizing balsamic vinaigrette that will make your taste buds dance with delight.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced radishes
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash all fresh produce under cool running water. Pat dry the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, radishes, and red onion using clean paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Place the mixed greens in a large serving bowl, ensuring they are evenly spread as a base for the salad.
- Carefully slice cherry tomatoes in half, creating uniform bite-sized pieces that will distribute evenly throughout the salad.
- Cut the red bell pepper into thin, elegant slices, removing seeds and stem before slicing to maintain a clean presentation.
- Using a sharp knife, thinly slice radishes into delicate, translucent rounds that will add a peppery crunch to the salad.
- Finely dice the red onion into thin, delicate slivers to prevent overpowering the other ingredients.
- Gently layer the sliced cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, radishes, and red onion over the mixed greens.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette evenly across the salad, ensuring all ingredients are lightly coated.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, using a light hand to enhance the natural flavors.
- Toss the salad gently to mix ingredients and distribute the dressing, being careful not to bruise the delicate greens.
- Let the salad sit for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving, creating a harmonious and vibrant dish.
Tips
- Choose the freshest ingredients possible – love is in the details!
- Pat your vegetables completely dry to ensure the dressing clings perfectly
- Slice vegetables uniformly for an elegant, professional presentation
- Let the salad rest for 2-3 minutes after dressing to allow flavors to harmonize
- Use freshly ground black pepper for an extra flavor punch
- For a romantic touch, arrange the vegetables in a heart shape before serving
- Consider chilling your serving plates beforehand for a crisp, refreshing experience
- Pair with a light, chilled white wine to complement the salad's vibrant flavors
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 85kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
