Crunchy Vegetable Salad with Lemon-Honey Dressing

This Crunchy Vegetable Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish perfect for any meal. Packed with colorful vegetables and topped with a zesty lemon-honey dressing, it’s both healthy and delicious. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a light main course, this salad is sure to delight your taste buds.

Preparation Time:
Total Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cucumber, thinly sliced
1/2 cabbage, shredded
1 carrot, grated
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 red pepper, thinly sliced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
20g (about a handful) nuts (such as almonds or walnuts), chopped
Parsley, chopped, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt
Black pepper, to taste

Directions

Prepare the Vegetables:

In a large salad bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumber, shredded cabbage, grated carrot, thinly sliced onion, and thinly sliced red pepper.
Make the Dressing: 2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice until well combined.

Add the minced garlic to the dressing and stir.
Assemble the Salad: 4. Pour the dressing over the vegetables in the salad bowl.

Toss everything together to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
Season the salad with salt and black pepper.
Add the Finishing Touches: 7. Add the chopped nuts and parsley to the salad. Toss lightly to distribute them throughout the salad.

Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for an added crunch and flavor.
Chill and Serve: 9. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, or you can chill it in the refrigerator before serving.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve this salad alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal.
It also pairs well with sandwiches or as a refreshing side for a barbecue.
Cooking Tips:
For extra crunch, you can toast the nuts lightly before adding them to the salad.
Adjust the amount of honey and soy sauce in the dressing to suit your taste preferences.
Nutritional Benefits:
This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables.
Nuts add healthy fats and protein, making the salad more filling.
The lemon-honey dressing is a lighter alternative to creamy dressings, keeping the dish low in calories.
Dietary Information:
This salad is naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey.
It’s also dairy-free and suitable for most dietary preferences.
Storage:
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
The dressing can be made ahead and stored separately for up to a week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Quick and easy to prepare with fresh ingredients.
Versatile and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and nuts.
The tangy and sweet dressing enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables.
Conclusion:
This Crunchy Vegetable Salad with Lemon-Honey Dressing is a delightful addition to any meal. It’s simple to make, bursting with fresh flavors, and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side dish, or a light dinner, this salad is sure to satisfy. Enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors in every bite!