Mom’s Marinated Salad
- Introduction
- Fresh, colorful, and packed with flavor, Mom’s Marinated Salad is a classic make-ahead side dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, picnics, and summer gatherings. Crisp vegetables are tossed in a tangy homemade marinade and chilled until every bite is infused with delicious sweet-and-savory flavor.
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and crunchy vegetables
- Sweet and tangy homemade marinade
- Easy make-ahead side dish
- Perfect for potlucks and gatherings
- Gets even more flavorful as it chills
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cauliflower florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- ½ cup sliced carrots
- For the Marinade
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Instructions
- 1. Wash and thoroughly dry all the vegetables.
- 2. Cut the broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, bell pepper, and carrots into bite-sized pieces.
- 3. Add all the vegetables and sliced red onion to a large mixing bowl.
- 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- 5. Pour the marinade over the vegetables.
- 6. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- 7. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- 8. For the best flavor, allow the salad to marinate overnight.
- 9. Toss again before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- 10. Serve chilled.
- Tips
- Use fresh, crisp vegetables for the best texture.
- Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces so every bite has a good combination.
- Make the salad a day ahead to allow the marinade to fully penetrate the vegetables.
- Add sliced olives or feta cheese for extra Mediterranean flavor.
- Keep the salad refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Serving Suggestions
- Serve Mom’s Marinated Salad alongside grilled chicken, roasted meats, burgers, sandwiches, barbecue dishes, or baked potatoes. It also makes an excellent addition to a holiday buffet or potluck table.
- Conclusion
- Mom’s Marinated Salad is a simple, colorful, and flavorful side dish that becomes even better after chilling. With crisp vegetables and a delicious sweet-and-tangy marinade, it’s an easy make-ahead recipe that’s perfect for sharing.
