Alright, let’s get ready for a veggie extravaganza! This Marinated Vegetable Salad is a vibrant, crunchy, and absolutely delicious way to get your daily dose of goodness. We’re talking crisp broccoli, cauliflower, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy, herby dressing that soaks into every bite. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a healthy side dish, this salad is going to be your new best friend!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bursting with Flavor: The marinated veggies are packed with tangy, herby goodness.
  • Super Healthy: A colorful medley of fresh vegetables that’s good for your body and soul.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Perfect for meal prep, as the flavors get better the longer it marinates.
  • Totally Customizable: Add your favorite veggies and toppings for a personalized salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dressing

  • Extra-virgin olive oil: The base of the dressing, use high-quality for the best flavor.
  • White wine vinegar: Adds a tangy, bright note. Red wine vinegar works too!
  • Water: Helps to emulsify the dressing.
  • Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tanginess.
  • Garlic powder: Adds a savory, aromatic note.
  • Onion powder: Adds a subtle, sweet onion flavor.
  • Dried parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
  • Dried basil: Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor.
  • Dried thyme: Adds a subtle, earthy note.
  • Pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and spice.
  • Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
  • Red pepper flakes: Adds a pinch of heat.

Salad

  • Broccoli: Crisp and fresh, adds a vibrant green color.
  • Cauliflower: Crunchy and mild, soaks up the dressing beautifully.
  • Celery: Adds a refreshing crunch.
  • Cherry tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, adds a burst of freshness.
  • Sliced zucchini: Adds a tender, mild flavor.
  • Sliced green onion: Adds a mild oniony flavor and a pop of freshness.
  • Pitted olives: Adds a salty, briny flavor.
  • Diced carrot: Adds sweetness and a vibrant color.
  • Cooked bacon: Crispy and salty, adds a savory crunch. Don’t be shy with the bacon!
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: For serving, adds a salty, nutty flavor.

Variations

  • Add Bell Peppers: Diced bell peppers add a sweet, crunchy element.
  • Chickpea Power: Add chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.
  • Nutty Crunch: Add toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Marinated Vegetable Salad

Step 1: Make the Dressing

Measure all dressing ingredients into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously until well-blended and emulsified.

Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cauliflower, celery, tomatoes, zucchini, green onion, olives, and carrot.

Step 3: Marinate the Salad

Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, turning occasionally. Overnight marinating is even better!

Step 4: Add Bacon and Serve

Just before serving, toss with cooked and crumbled bacon. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Shake Well: Make sure to shake the dressing vigorously to emulsify it properly.
  • Marinate Long Enough: Marinating for at least 2 hours, or overnight, allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
  • Don’t Overdress: Add the dressing gradually and toss gently to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, crisp vegetables for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

This salad is perfect:

  • As a side dish: With grilled meats, chicken, or fish.
  • At picnics and potlucks: It’s always a hit at gatherings.
  • As a light lunch: It’s satisfying and packed with nutrients.
  • As a topping for grain bowls: It adds a burst of flavor and freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the vegetables will change.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold, so no reheating needed!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for white wine vinegar.

2. Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or radishes.

3. Can I make this salad without bacon?

Yes, you can omit the bacon for a vegetarian version or substitute it with cooked chickpeas or lentils.

4. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before using.

Conclusion

This Marinated Vegetable Salad is a vibrant, healthy, and absolutely delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s quick, easy, and totally customizable. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to whip up a salad that will have everyone asking for the recipe. You’re going to love it!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Marinated Vegetable Salad: Your Veggie Dreams Come True!

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 hours 15 minutes 1x
  • Category: Salads, Side Dishes
  • Method: Mixing, Marinating
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Marinated Vegetable Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines a variety of crisp vegetables with a tangy, herb-infused dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a healthy side dish, this salad gets better as it marinates, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Dressing:

  • 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup white wine vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes

Salad:

  • 2 cups broccoli, roughly chopped
  • 2 cups cauliflower, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup sliced zucchini
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onion
  • 1/2 cup pitted olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup carrot, diced
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

Dressing:

  1. Combine Ingredients: Measure all dressing ingredients into a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
  2. Shake Well: Shake vigorously until well-blended and emulsified.

Salad:

  1. Combine Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cauliflower, celery, tomatoes, zucchini, green onion, olives, and carrot.
  2. Add Dressing: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss so that all vegetables are coated.
  3. Marinate: Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, turning occasionally.
  4. Add Bacon: Toss with crumbled bacon just before serving.
  5. Serve: Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

 

  • Red wine vinegar can be substituted for the white wine vinegar.
  • The salad can be made the day before and left to marinate in the fridge overnight.
  • Add seeds or chopped nuts for additional crunch.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star