Vegetable Salad 大拌菜（dà bàn cài）
The appearance of the mixed vegetable salad is very appealing. The combination of various colorful vegetables creates a vibrant dish. Green lettuce, red tomatoes, yellow cucumbers, and purple onions not only add visual appeal but also provide a wide range of nutrients, instantly arousing one’s appetite. Furthermore, the texture of the mixed vegetable salad is outstanding. The textures and flavors of different vegetables intertwine, creating a unique taste experience. The crispness of the lettuce, the sweetness of the tomatoes, the crunchiness of the cucumbers, and the slight spiciness of the onions blend together in the mouth, delighting with every bite. Additionally, the salad is dressed with a suitable amount of sauce, enhancing the texture and enriching the flavors of the vegetables.
Comprehensive rating:
| PREP TIME | COOK TIME | VARIETY | MOUTHFEEL | LEVEL |
| 10 min | 10 min | 13 | Deliciously crisp | Easy |
| Lettuce | 60g |
| Bitter chrysanthemum | 60g |
| Cucumber | 100g |
| Red pepper | 15g |
| Kumquat | 35g |
| Onion | 50g |
| Lemon | 35g |
| Salt | 8g |
| Honey | 5g |
| Olive oil | 6g |
| Salad dressing | 25g |
| Apple vinegar | 5g |
| Tomato | 100g |
Steps:
1.In a bowl, add an appropriate amount of salad dressing. The dressing has a smooth texture with a subtle sweetness and tanginess, adding layers to the mixed vegetable salad. Then, add some pre-melted honey, which has a rich and gentle sweetness, providing a touch of sweetness to the dish. Sprinkle a little salt to enhance the savory taste, and add a moderate amount of apple vinegar to dilute the dressing. Squeeze some lemon juice into the bowl, as the lemon juice adds a refreshing touch with its tangy flavor. Stir while gradually adding olive oil until oil droplets start to appear in the bowl.
2.Prepare a clean bowl and gently tear fresh lettuce and bitter chrysanthemum into pieces. Break the onion into large chunks, wash them thoroughly, and add them to the bowl. Slice kumquats with their skin intact, cut red peppers into rings, and dice tomatoes and cucumbers into small cubes. Add all the prepared vegetables to the bowl. While stirring, pour in the prepared sauce and mix thoroughly.
3.After mixing well, transfer the mixed vegetable salad to an exquisite plate and serve. Each bite will bring them a different texture experience—refreshing lettuce, slightly sweet cucumber, crispy red pepper, and tangy-sweet tomatoes. Each ingredient enriches the layers of flavors and textures in this dish. The savory and slightly spicy sauce further enhances the richness of the dish’s taste, leaving a lingering aftertaste.
Tips:
2.It is recommended to let the mixed vegetable salad sit at room temperature for a while before consuming. This helps maintain the texture and nutritional value of the vegetables. Storing the salad in the refrigerator immediately after mixing may result in a less fresh taste and compromised nutritional value. Therefore, it is best to wait for some time after preparing the salad to ensure optimal flavor and nutrient retention.