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Veggie Summer Salad

A crisp and vibrant fresh vegetable salad perfect for hot weather, combining cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, corn, and fresh basil with a honey balsamic dressing and feta cheese.
Prep Time 12 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 large cucumber, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Wash all fresh produce thoroughly. Dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces, keeping the skin on for extra nutrients and texture. Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the bell pepper into uniform pieces for consistent sizing.
  2. If using fresh corn, cut kernels directly from the cob using a sharp knife. For frozen corn, quickly blanch in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain and cool completely.
  3. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey in a small bowl until the mixture emulsifies. Season with salt and pepper, tasting as you go.
  4. Combine all chopped vegetables in a large serving bowl. Add torn basil leaves at the last moment to preserve their bright color and aromatic oils.
  5. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently with clean hands or large spoons. The vegetables should glisten but not swim in dressing.
  6. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top just before serving. Let the salad rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.

Notes

Prep vegetables the night before and store separately for time-saving. Don't overdress the salad to avoid sogginess. Add fresh herbs and dressing just before serving. Let salad rest 5 minutes after tossing for flavors to meld. Store leftovers up to 3 days refrigerated. Soak red onions in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the bite for kids.