Today’s culinary quest brings us to the creation of a delightfully easy and scrumptious Garden Harvest Salad that’s versatile enough for any meal occasion! Imagine a bowl filled with the vibrant colors and textures of carrots, red pepper, peas, and corn, all brought together with the savory addition of canned ham. This combination not only promises a feast for the eyes but also a fusion of flavors that’s sure to please any palate.
To elevate this salad to creamy perfection, we’ll be blending mayonnaise and yogurt, creating a rich yet refreshing dressing that beautifully coats each ingredient. A sprinkle of salt and pepper will be our final touch, ensuring every bite is seasoned to perfection. Whether you’re planning a sunny picnic or searching for the perfect side dish to complement your dinner, this salad stands ready to impress. Here’s how we’ll bring it all together:
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Carrots: Freshly grated for a sweet crunch.
- Red Pepper: Finely diced for a pop of color and a slightly sweet, tangy flavor.
- Peas: Bright green and sweet, adding a lovely texture.
- Corn: Golden kernels bring a hint of sweetness and chew.
- Canned Ham: For that savory depth and hearty bite.
- Mayonnaise & Yogurt: Combined in equal parts for a creamy, tangy dressing.
- Salt & Pepper: Just enough to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Steps to Salad Bliss:
- Prep Your Veggies: Begin by grating the carrots, dicing the red pepper, and if using frozen peas and corn, giving them a quick blanch in hot water before cooling. This prep work ensures that every component of our salad is ready to shine.
- Flavorful Addition: Dice the canned ham into small, bite-sized pieces. This will distribute its rich flavor throughout the salad, making every forkful a delight.
- Creamy Dressing Creation: In a separate bowl, mix together equal parts of mayonnaise and yogurt until smooth. This blend will be the creamy backbone of our salad, adding a luscious texture that beautifully binds the ingredients together.
- Combine & Season: Add the prepped veggies and ham to a large mixing bowl. Pour over the creamy dressing, and gently mix to ensure everything is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
- Chill & Serve: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
This easy, delicious salad is a testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients are combined with a little culinary creativity. It’s a dish that promises not only to satisfy hunger but also to bring a burst of joy and color to your table. So let’s get mixing and create a salad that’s bound to become a new favorite in your recipe collection!
Ingredients:
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and grated
- 7 eggs, hard-boiled and finely chopped
- 200 g canned ham, diced
- 1 red pepper, finely diced
- 200 g canned peas, drained
- 180 g canned corn, drained
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons natural yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Prep the Vegetables and Eggs:
- Start by preparing your vegetables. Grate the carrots, dice the red pepper, and ensure your canned peas and corn are well-drained to remove any excess liquid. For the eggs, place them in a pot of water, bring to a boil, then let them simmer for about 10 minutes. Cool them under cold water, peel, and then chop finely.
- Mix the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the grated carrots, chopped eggs, diced ham, and red pepper. Add the drained peas and corn to the mixture. Toss these ingredients together gently to distribute them evenly.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and natural yogurt until smooth. Season with black pepper and salt according to your taste.
- Combine and Chill:
- Pour the dressing over the vegetable and egg mixture, and stir well to ensure everything is coated evenly with the dressing. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve:
- Once chilled, give the salad a gentle stir and do a taste test to adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the Garden Harvest Salad Cups chilled, ideally on a bed of fresh greens or in individual cups for a fancy presentation.
This “Garden Harvest Salad Cups” recipe brings a colorful and tasty twist to your table, combining the crunchiness of fresh vegetables with the savory notes of ham and the richness of eggs, all tied together with a creamy and tangy dressing. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a complement to any main course. Enjoy your meal!