A good salad is a colorful and tasty salad, filled with bright vegetables that offer a delicious crunch, all topped with a dressing that brings it all together. Salads aren’t limited to side dishes either; they’re great as a meal when the right ingredients are added to make it hearty and satisfying. We love our version of the Moroccan salad for all these reasons: it’s bright, tasty and super satisfying. A fresh vegetable salad with a simple lemon and herb dressing is exactly what we are looking for in a refreshing side dish.
It was the perfect recipe for an afternoon lunch with good friends. Everyone brought a little something to share, and this salad was the perfect accompaniment. Peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes and red onions were chopped and mixed, then drizzled with a simple vinaigrette and brightened up with a little fresh lemon juice. Alone is fine, but when you want a salad that makes a complete and satisfying meal, you add a little protein: chicken is excellent, or even shrimp. This salad is even better after a day or two in the refrigerator, as the dressing really soaks in the vegetables and takes on even more flavor.
Our Moroccan salad is such a crowd pleaser and if we are lucky enough to have leftovers, we put some in a mason jar for lunch the next day. It’s so light and refreshing, just what we need on a hot summer day, but it’s great any time of year. And herbs like parsley or mint add brightness, so add a little too, if your audience likes those flavors. A crisp and tasty salad is a great way to add a few vegetables to our daily meals, and when food looks and tastes this good, you want to eat it all the time!
Serves 4; 20 minutes
INGREDIENTS
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- ½ medium red onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
- Juice from 1 lemon (to taste)
- 1 ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
PREPARATION
- Toss tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell peppers with Italian seasoning, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Salad is ready to eat or refrigerate until ready to serve.
