Marinated Vegetable Salad

This Marinated Vegetable Salad is a refreshing, easy-to-make side dish perfect for any occasion. Packed with fresh vegetables like cabbage, bell peppers, cucumbers, and carrots, this salad is marinated in a flavorful mixture of vinegar, sunflower oil, salt, and sugar, creating a deliciously tangy and sweet taste. Ideal for barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners, this salad is a great addition to any meal. Enjoy it as a healthy, vibrant dish that’s full of flavor and crunch.

Ingredients:

Vegetables:

• 1 small cabbage, cut into roughly 1″ pieces
• 1 bell pepper (or 5 mini peppers), sliced into strips (red, orange, or yellow)
• 1 cucumber, sliced into circles and halved
• 1 carrot, sliced into thin rings
• 1 small onion, sliced into half rings

Marinade:

• 4 cups water
• 3/4 cup vinegar
• 3/4 cup sunflower oil (or vegetable oil)
• 2 1/2 tbsp salt
• 3/4 cup sugar

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium pot, combine 4 cups of water, 3/4 cup vinegar, 3/4 cup sunflower oil (or vegetable oil), 2 1/2 tbsp salt, and 3/4 cup sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to dissolve the salt and sugar. Once it starts boiling, remove the pot from the heat and let the marinade cool to room temperature.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the marinade cools, wash and chop the vegetables. Start by cutting the cabbage in half and removing the root. Cut it into 1″ strips, then cube it into 1″ pieces. Place the cabbage in a large bowl. Peel the carrot and slice it into thin circles. Cut the mini bell peppers in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and slice them into thin strips. Add these to the bowl with the cabbage. Slice the onion into thin half rings and add to the bowl. Cut the cucumber, remove the ends, then slice it in half and cut it into thin half circles, adding them to the bowl as well.
3. Combine the Vegetables and Marinade: Once the marinade has cooled to room temperature, pour it over the prepared vegetables in the bowl. Toss everything together well to coat. Let the salad sit at room temperature for about 3 hours. Don’t worry if the marinade doesn’t completely cover the vegetables initially; it will soak in over time.
4. Refrigerate and Serve: After 3 hours, transfer the salad into a jar, filling it with the marinade. Close the lid and refrigerate overnight for best results. The salad can also be enjoyed after marinating for just 3 hours if you’re short on time.

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Tips:

• For extra crunch: You can add a small amount of shredded radishes or celery for added texture.
• Flavor boost: Add some fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a vibrant flavor enhancement.
• Make it spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Add other vegetables: You can substitute or add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even sweet corn.
• Oil alternatives: You can use olive oil for a richer taste or a combination of olive and sunflower oil.
• Sweetener substitutes: Honey or maple syrup can replace sugar for a more natural sweetener.

FAQs:

• Can I make this salad in advance? Yes, the salad tastes even better after marinating overnight in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
• What if I don’t like certain vegetables? Feel free to swap or omit any vegetables you don’t enjoy. Customize it to your taste!
• Can I use a different vinegar? Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar can be used as substitutes for the white vinegar.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this marinated vegetable salad as a side dish at barbecues, family gatherings, or potlucks.
• Pair it with grilled meats or a light sandwich for a balanced meal.
• It’s a refreshing addition to a Mediterranean-inspired meal or alongside a hearty soup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Marinated Vegetable Salad is incredibly easy to make, and it packs a punch of fresh flavors with crunchy vegetables soaked in a tangy, sweet marinade. It’s versatile, making it perfect for any occasion, and the best part? It can be made ahead of time, so it’s a convenient, flavorful option that gets better the longer it sits! Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it on its own, this salad will be a crowd-pleaser.