Looking for a refreshing and vibrant dish that packs a punch of flavor without any guilt? Dive into our Vegan Chopped Italian Salad, a delightful medley of fresh vegetables that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling light and energized! Perfect for a quick lunch, a side dish at your next gathering, or a colorful addition to your meal prep, this salad is not only easy to make but also bursting with wholesome goodness. With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a bowl of this deliciousness that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Ready to elevate your salad game? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 red onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash all fresh produce thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Prepare the vegetables by cutting cherry tomatoes in half, dicing the cucumber into uniform small cubes, and similarly dicing the bell pepper into consistent bite-sized pieces.
- Finely chop the red onion into thin, small pieces to distribute flavor evenly throughout the salad.
- Slice the olives into thin rounds, ensuring they are distributed evenly in the salad mixture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, chopped red onion, and sliced olives.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the vegetable mixture, ensuring all ingredients are lightly coated.
- Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, gently tossing to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and seasonings.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The key to a vibrant salad is using the freshest produce you can find. Look for ripe cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and crunchy bell peppers for maximum flavor and texture.
- Chop Uniformly: To ensure even distribution of flavors, try to cut your vegetables into similar sizes. This not only makes for a more appealing presentation but also enhances the overall eating experience.
- Marinate for Flavor: Allowing the salad to sit in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before serving lets the ingredients mingle and develop a more robust flavor profile. Don’t skip this step!
- Customize Your Olives: If you prefer a different type of olive, feel free to swap them out! Kalamata or green olives can add a unique twist to the salad.
- Add Some Crunch: For an extra layer of texture, consider adding some toasted nuts or seeds, such as pine nuts or sunflower seeds, just before serving.
- Experiment with Dressings: While balsamic vinegar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other dressings or add a splash of lemon juice for a zesty kick.
- Serve Chilled: This salad is best enjoyed cold, making it a perfect make-ahead option for picnics or potlucks. Just give it a quick toss before serving to refresh the ingredients!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 75kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
