As the summer sun blazes overhead, nothing hits the spot quite like a crisp, refreshing salad. It’s almost like savoring a cool breeze on a sweltering day, right? Whether you’re lounging by the pool or having a picnic in the park, these vibrant salad recipes – packed with juicy fruits and crunchy veggies – are your ticket to refreshing bliss.
Steps
- Prepare the dressing by combining olive oil, red wine vinegar, maple syrup or honey, lemon juice, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl or jar. Stir thoroughly to mix all ingredients.
- In a large bowl, combine the peeled and chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced cucumbers, diced green bell peppers, finely diced red onion, sliced pepperoncini peppers, and roasted sunflower kernels. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Start by adding half of the dressing and toss the salad to coat evenly. Add more dressing if desired, and mix well.
- Serve immediately or store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 4-5 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
- 2 cucumbers, peeled and diced
- 2 green bell peppers, diced
- ½ red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
- ¼ cup roasted sunflower kernels
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
FAQ
- What is the origin of the Hot Girl Summer Salad?
- The original version of this salad was created by TikTok user @herdresscode and has garnered over 12 million views due to its popularity.
- What ingredients make this salad healthy and satisfying?
- The salad includes hard-boiled eggs for protein and a variety of chopped vegetables, providing a mix of nutrients and a satisfying crunch.
- Can I use store-bought dressing for this salad?
- Yes, while the recipe includes a homemade Zesty Italian Dressing, you can opt for a store-bought version, which is used in the original TikTok recipe.
- How should I store leftovers of this salad?
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, making it convenient for meal prep.
- What substitutions can I make for the pepperoncini peppers?
- If you don’t have pepperoncini peppers, you can use banana peppers or even pickles as a substitute.
Tips
- Dressing Variation: If you’re short on time, feel free to substitute the homemade dressing with a store-bought Zesty Italian Dressing for convenience.
- Pepper Substitutions: If pepperoncini peppers aren’t available, you can easily swap them with banana peppers or pickles for a similar tangy flavor.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This salad is excellent for meal prepping. Prepare it in advance and store in airtight containers for up to 4-5 days to enjoy throughout the week.
- Egg Preparation Tip: To save time, consider purchasing pre-made hard-boiled eggs, or if making them yourself, ensure they’re cooked properly for the best texture.
Equipment
- Salad Spinner – Useful for washing and drying cucumbers and bell peppers efficiently.
- Large Mixing Bowl – For combining all the salad ingredients together.
- Small Bowl or Jar with Lid – For mixing and storing the homemade Zesty Italian Dressing.
- Chef’s Knife – A good quality knife for chopping and dicing vegetables and eggs.
- Cutting Board – A sturdy surface for preparing vegetables and eggs.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurately measuring dressing ingredients.
- Airtight Containers – For storing leftovers or for meal prep.
