Garden Vegetable Salad: A Fresh and Flavorful Delight from Your Garden
Pictured above: Papaw ( my husband, Matt) and our Grand daughter, Ruby with there little garden. They are so proud of it!
There's something truly special about a salad made with fresh, homegrown veggies. We call it "Garden Vegetable Salad," and it's a simple yet incredibly tasty dish that you'll find yourself making over and over again. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
This salad is as easy to make as it is delicious. It's all about using what you have on hand—mostly veggies straight from your garden. Our usual lineup includes juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers (my personal favorite), crunchy bell peppers, zesty banana peppers, and onions. Sometimes, I have to grab onions from the grocery store, but everything else is fresh from the backyard. The possibilities are endless as to what vegetables you can use—it's really just whatever is your favorite!
To make the salad, simply chop up all the veggies and toss them in a large bowl. The dressing? Well, that's the secret to bringing it all together. I usually reach for a bottle of Italian dressing—Kroger brand is my go-to, but Olive Garden's Italian dressing is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a change. If you're watching your calories, a low-calorie dressing works just as well.
If you're someone who enjoys a little heat in your food, jalapeños would be a great addition to this salad. They add a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the fresh, crisp veggies.
One of the best things about this Garden Vegetable Salad is that it only gets better with time. Letting it marinate in the fridge allows the flavors to meld together, creating a salad that's even more delicious the next day. Throughout the week, I’ll often add more veggies to the mix as needed, keeping it fresh and exciting.
This year, having our own garden has been a lot of fun, especially since it’s something our granddaughter, Ruby, and her papaw did together. Although they were the ones who planted the garden, I’ve really enjoyed walking out to our little patch every day to see what we can harvest. It’s fulfilling, and I must be getting old because this type of thing definitely wouldn’t have excited me when I was younger!
Not only is this salad a refreshing treat to have on its own or alongside dinner, but it’s also a feast for the eyes. The vibrant colors from the different bell peppers and tomatoes make it as beautiful as it is delicious.
Whether you're enjoying it as a light lunch or a side dish, this Garden Vegetable Salad is sure to be a hit. So, grab those veggies, toss them in a bowl, and get ready to enjoy a simple, flavorful, and healthy dish that's perfect for any occasion.
Thank you for reading!
Love, Tracy