Vibrant Veggie Summer Salad

This vibrant and refreshing summer salad is a symphony of flavors and textures, with a zesty dressing that brings it all together. It's a perfect way to celebrate the bounty of summer produce.

This salad is a tribute to the farmers' market in my hometown. When I was growing up, I would spend hours wandering the stalls, marveling at the colors and scents of the fresh fruits and vegetables. This salad is a way for me to capture that feeling of abundance and bring it to my own table.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Cucumber, sliced
• Bell pepper, diced
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Fresh basil, chopped
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, basil, and parsley.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Why It Works

• The combination of sweet tomatoes, crisp cucumber, crunchy bell pepper, and sharp red onion creates a perfect balance of flavors.
• The lemon juice and olive oil dressing is light and refreshing, and the fresh herbs add a bright, herbaceous note.
• This salad is easy to make and can be tailored to your own preferences. Add some grilled chicken or shrimp for protein, or some feta cheese or nuts for added crunch.