Summer Crunch Salad

This Summer Crunch Salad is a perfect way to celebrate the season's bounty with a dish that's as easy to prepare as it is delightful to eat. With its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors, this salad brings together a medley of fresh vegetables that are crunchy, juicy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a side dish to accompany your barbecue, this salad fits the bill.

One of the best things about this salad is its versatility. You can easily adapt it based on what you have on hand or what’s available at your local farmers market. If you’re out of red onion, scallions work just as well. No corn? Try substituting with edamame for an added protein boost. The possibilities are endless, making this salad not only delicious but also a great way to minimize food waste by using what you’ve got.

Another great feature of this salad is that it stays crunchy and fresh in the fridge for several days, especially if you make a double batch. This means you can prep it ahead of time and enjoy a healthy, satisfying meal all week long. The crumbled goat cheese or feta adds a creamy tang that complements the bright acidity of the vinegar and the subtle heat from the crushed red pepper flakes. It’s a dish that’s bursting with summer flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• 1 medium-sized cucumber, lightly peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
• 1 large or 2 smaller bell peppers, seeded and roughly chopped
• 1/2 of a red onion, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 2 ears of fresh sweet corn)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
• A heaping 1/2 cup of crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese

Directions

Prepare the Vegetables

1. Peel and Chop:
   Start by prepping all your vegetables. Lightly peel the cucumber, leaving some of the skin for texture, and roughly chop it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Chop and Slice:
   Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, seed and chop the bell peppers, and chop the red onion. If you're using fresh corn, slice the kernels off the cob. These fresh, vibrant vegetables are the stars of the dish, providing a mix of crunch and sweetness.

Combine the Ingredients

1. Toss the Vegetables:
   Toss the chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, and corn kernels in a large mixing bowl. This colorful mix of vegetables forms the base of your salad and offers a delightful variety of textures and flavors.
2. Add Parsley:
   Add the finely chopped parsley, which adds a fresh herbal note that ties the ingredients together.

Dress the Salad

1. Add Dressing:
   Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar over the salad. The olive oil adds a smooth richness while the vinegar provides a bright, tangy contrast.
2. Season:
   Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, along with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.

Add the Cheese

1. Toss and Mix:
   Gently toss the salad to ensure all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Finally, crumble the goat cheese or feta over the top, mixing it in lightly. The cheese adds a creamy, tangy element that perfectly complements the fresh vegetables and dressing.

Serve

1. Chill and Serve:
   Serve the salad immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together. This salad can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish, and it pairs beautifully with grilled meats or seafood.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It will stay crunchy and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Variations: Feel free to mix up the ingredients based on your availability. Add diced avocado, olives, or some cooked quinoa for added texture and nutrition.
• Serving Suggestions: This salad is versatile enough to be served as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or steak, or you can enjoy it as a light, refreshing main course.

This Summer Crunch Salad celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients that come together to create a dish that’s not only healthy but also incredibly delicious. It’s a perfect way to maximize the summer harvest and enjoy a light, satisfying, and full-of-flavor meal.