Winter Vegetable Salad with Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Peppers, and Onions

This delightful winter vegetable salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for cold months when fresh, colorful produce is a welcomed sight. Combining cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and onions, this salad is seasoned with fragrant dill for an aromatic boost. The addition of vinegar lends a tangy zest, while sugar balances the flavors to make each bite a harmony of taste. This salad can be prepared in advance and stored, making it an easy option for quick meals or as a crisp addition to any table setting. The use of jarred vegetables allows for simple serving choices during the winter. For those who enjoy preserving summer's abundance, this recipe is perfect for creating a robust salad ready to be enjoyed during the chillier seasons. Whether as a side dish, a light lunch, or an addition to a spread, this salad offers flexibility and delight with its fresh ingredients and vibrant taste. Discover how to bring this delightful dish to your winter table with these easy-to-follow steps.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

3 kg fresh cucumbers
3 kg tomatoes
3 kg onions
3 kg peppers
1 kg dill

Spices and Sauces:

1 cup vinegar (9%)
1 bottle oil
Salt
Sugar to taste

Preparation Time

Total Time: 65 minutes (including prep and cooking)

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Vegetables: Wash cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and onions thoroughly. Make sure all the dirt and residues are removed from the skin.
Chop the Ingredients: Finely chop or slice the cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and onions into your preferred size and shape. Aim for consistent sizes to ensure even cooking.
Combine Vegetables: Place all chopped vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
Add Dill: Finely chop the dill and add it to the vegetable mixture. Stir to distribute evenly.
Season the Salad: Pour the vinegar and oil over the vegetables, and sprinkle with salt. Adjust sugar to taste to bring a mild sweetness that balances the tang and saltiness.
Mix Thoroughly: Toss the mixture until all ingredients are well combined and the dressing is evenly coated across the veggies.
Prepare for Canning: Sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them for ten minutes. Make sure to dry completely.
Fill the Jars: Carefully pack the salad mixture into the jars, leaving a little space at the top to allow for expansion during heating.
Heat for Preservation: Seal the jars loosely and place them in a large pot of boiling water. Heat for 30 minutes at approximately 85 degrees Celsius.
Seal the Jars: Remove from heat, carefully seal lids tightly, and allow them to cool.
Store the Jars: Once cooled, store in a cool, dark place until needed. The flavors will develop over time.
Serve as Needed: Whenever you are ready to serve, simply open a jar, and your fresh, tangy winter salad is ready to enjoy.

Tips

Substitution: You can substitute the dill with fresh parsley or coriander depending on taste preferences.
Storage: Ensure jars are placed in a cool and dark area to extend shelf life.
Preservation Tip: Always use clean utensils when handling preserved fruits to avoid contamination.

Variations

Spicy Version: Add some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes for those who like a bit of heat.
Sweet Variation: Increase the sugar content and add a few raisins for a sweeter salad.
Herb Substitute: Replace dill with thyme or oregano for a different aromatic profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside grilled meats for a fresh contrast.
Pair with crusty bread and cheese as part of a light meal.
Add to sandwiches for a refreshing crunch.

Best Places

Chez Panisse - Celebrated for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients and vibrant salads. Location: 1517 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, USA.
Noma - Offering innovative vegetable dishes with global acclaim. Location: Refshalevej 96, Copenhagen, Denmark.
The Ledbury - Known for exquisite British produce, including seasonal vegetable dishes. Location: 127 Ledbury Rd, London, UK.
Osteria Francescana - A creative spin on Italian classics, focusing on pristine produce. Location: Via Stella, 22, Modena, Italy.
Frantzén - Renowned for its focus on natural vegetables in imaginative preparations. Location: Klara Norra kyrkogata 26, Stockholm, Sweden.
Mirazur - Synonym for outstanding vegetable cuisine with a view of the Mediterranean. Location: 30 Av. Aristide Briand, Menton, France.
Eleven Madison Park - High-end NYC dining, featuring seasonal vegetable delights. Location: 11 Madison Ave, New York, USA.
Central - Showcases Peru's agricultural richness with unique vegetable dishes. Location: Av. Pedro de Osma 301, Lima, Peru.
Gaggan - Renowned Bangkok restaurant celebrated for its vibrant vegetable curries. Location: 68/1 Soi Langsuan, Ploenchit Road, Bangkok, Thailand.
Arpège - Acclaimed Parisian spot where vegetables take center stage. Location: 84 Rue de Varenne, Paris, France.