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Fresh Ultimate July 4th One-Bowl Feast Easy Patriotic Party Recipe

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A fresh, vibrant one-bowl salad perfect for July 4th celebrations, combining juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, fresh herbs, and a tangy lemon-herb vinaigrette. Easy to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and versatile for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (preferably vine-ripened)
  • 1 English cucumber, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 cup fresh corn kernels (optional, can use frozen, thawed)
  • 2 cups baby spinach or mixed salad greens
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or dairy-free almond-based feta alternative)
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse all fresh produce under cold water.
  2. Halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the cucumber and red bell pepper into bite-size pieces (about 1/2 inch).
  3. If using, thinly slice the red onion into delicate rings.
  4. If using fresh corn, slice kernels off the cob into a large bowl to catch them; if frozen, thaw and drain excess moisture.
  5. Roughly chop parsley and tear basil leaves into smaller pieces.
  6. Add baby spinach or mixed greens to a large mixing bowl.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste and whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.
  8. Add all prepped vegetables and herbs into the large bowl with greens.
  9. Pour dressing over and gently toss using salad tongs or clean hands to coat everything evenly.
  10. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top and scatter toasted pine nuts or walnuts. Gently fold in to combine without breaking up the cheese too much.
  11. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon if needed.
  12. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes covered tightly with plastic wrap to let flavors meld.

Notes

Do not overdress the salad to avoid soggy greens. Use room temperature ingredients for the dressing to ensure smooth emulsification. Toast nuts for 3-5 minutes in a dry pan to enhance flavor. Thinly slice onions to avoid overpowering the salad. Prep veggies and dressing the night before but keep greens separate to maintain freshness. Adjust seasoning after tossing. Can add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein boost. Vegan option by omitting feta or using plant-based cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: July 4th salad, one-bowl salad, patriotic party recipe, summer salad, easy salad, fresh salad, healthy salad, gluten-free salad, vegan option

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/fresh-ultimate-july-4th-one-bowl-feast-easy-patriotic-party-recipe/