Garden Vegetable Medley

Name: Garden Vegetable Medley
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 carrot, grated; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook:

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

Be the First to Review!

Welcome to a vibrant and refreshing dish: the Garden Vegetable Medley. This simple, colorful salad is perfect for showcasing the freshness of seasonal produce. It's quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch or side dish.

Save Print Jump to Recipe

Ingredients for Garden Vegetable Medley

Cherry tomatoes are the sweet bursts of flavor that add a juicy, tangy balance to the salad. Cucumber brings a refreshing, crisp texture, cooling down the palate. Red bell pepper adds a subtle sweetness and a splash of color. Carrot, when grated, blends seamlessly and adds a hint of earthy sweetness. Red onion offers a sharp, pungent bite that complements the other ingredients. Fresh parsley is the herbaceous note that ties everything together, adding freshness and vibrancy. A simple dressing made with olive oil and lemon juice gives the medley a light, zesty coating, while salt and pepper bring out the flavors of each component.

Tips & Tricks

For extra flavor, roast the cherry tomatoes before adding them to the salad.
To mellow the intensity of the red onion, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes before slicing.
If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the salad's crispness.
Use a mandoline for quick and even slicing of cucumbers and onions.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a great side for a summer barbecue. You can also toss it with some cooked quinoa or couscous for a more filling main dish. Try serving it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different oil in the dressing?: Yes, you can substitute olive oil with avocado oil or a light vegetable oil if preferred.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?: You can use other fresh herbs like basil or cilantro, or omit it altogether for a different flavor profile.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?: Yes, just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat so the salad stays crisp.

Garden Vegetable Medley Recipe Walkthrough

Start by gathering all your fresh vegetables and giving them a good wash. You’ll want to halve your cherry tomatoes and slice your cucumber to about 1/4-inch thick rounds. Next, dice the red bell pepper into small, bite-sized pieces — this ensures you get a bit of sweetness in every bite.

Take your carrot and use a grater to shred it finely. This will add texture and a touch of sweetness without overpowering the salad. For the red onion, slice it as thinly as possible; its sharpness can be intense if the pieces are too large. Finally, chop the parsley coarsely; this herb will give the salad a fresh lift.

Combine all your prepared vegetables and parsley in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour this dressing over the vegetables and toss everything gently to ensure an even coat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

The salad is now ready to serve, or you can chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. This resting time can make the medley even more delicious as the dressing infuses every bite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare, with minimal cleanup.
Packed with fresh, crunchy vegetables that are nutritious and satisfying.
Perfect for using up garden or market-fresh produce.
Versatile enough to pair with a variety of main dishes.
Bright, tangy dressing that enhances the natural flavors of the veggies.

Ingredients

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, sliced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 carrot, grated

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, carrot, red onion, and parsley.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.