Crafting a Warm Winter Salad with the Best of Summer and Fall
Today, we embark on a flavorful journey, transforming the softening cucumber and sun-kissed baby tomatoes into a warm winter salad. With the addition of Halloween's leftover pumpkin and a medley of fall veggies, we create a dish that celebrates the essence of each season.
Ingredients:
1 soft cucumber
Baby tomatoes from the garden, halved
3 cups cubed Halloween pumpkin
1 bunch broccoli florets (stem reserved for another recipe)
2 mushrooms, sliced
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
Leeks, cut into pieces
Olive oil
Oregano salt
Balsamic vinegar
Maple syrup
Instructions:
Summer Freshness: Begin by slicing the soft cucumber and halving the baby tomatoes from your garden. These vibrant additions will bring a burst of summer freshness to your winter salad. Set them aside for later.
Pumpkin Harvest: Use up that Halloween pumpkin by cubing it into bite-sized pieces. This orange gem will infuse a rich, sweet flavor into the heart of your salad.
Broccoli Bounty: Separate the broccoli florets from the bunch, saving the stem for another recipe. Broccoli not only adds a delightful crunch but also brings a nutritional punch to your winter creation.
Fall Mushroom Magic: Slice the mushrooms, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic. These savory ingredients will create a symphony of flavors as they cook together.
Air Fryer: In a bowl, toss the pumpkin cubes, broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, minced garlic, leeks, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of oregano salt. Transfer this flavorful mixture into the air fryer.
Cooking: Set the air fryer to 330°F and cook for 25 minutes, flipping the ingredients halfway through. This cooking concerto will transform the veggies into a harmonious melody of textures and tastes.
Bringing in Summer and Fall: Once the warm salad symphony is complete, add the fresh cucumber, baby tomatoes, and cut-up pieces of leaks. These ingredients, untouched by heat, bridge the gap between the warm and cool elements.
Dressing: Prepare a simple yet flavorful dressing by combining balsamic vinegar and maple syrup. Drizzle this delightful concoction over your warm winter salad, adding a sweet and tangy note that ties everything together.
In this warm winter salad, I’ve put together the best of summer and fall, celebrating the diverse flavors each season brings. From the sweet pumpkin to the crisp cucumber, every bite is a culinary richness found in embracing the bounty of the changing seasons.
