So beautiful and so delicious, this simple combination of finely chopped fresh raw veggies is the Greek Vegan’s variation  of a village vegetable salad.  The trick to this recipe is to choose the very freshest, most ripe ingredients you can find and let their flavors do all the work for you. Tucked inside a stunning yellow heirloom tomato, this is a perfect first course and one that’s sure to impress. A sharp, quality knife and you’re on your way!I like to eat this salad right after making but a night in the fridge won’t do it any harm. The flavors  change slightly, becoming more muted, but are no less yummy.

Ingredients:

• 1 green peppers
• 1 red onion
• 2 medium cucumber
• 1 large red tomato
• 1/2 cup cauliflower florets
• 2 tbsp fresh mint
• basil leaves for garnish (optional)
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• salt/pepper to taste
• Veggie Cups – your choice of 4 small to medium yellow heirloom or red tomatoes / purple, green or yellow bell peppers

Finely chop all vegetables, season with salt and pepper and toss with good quality olive oil. Slice the tops off of veggie cups and gently scoop out insides. Generously fill veggie cups with chopped salad and garnish with fresh mint or basil leaves.

A look at the salad ingredients before they make their way to the table.

This is the same salad tucked into a purple bell pepper. Think about using a variety of veggie cups when entertaining. Not only will they add visual interest of your table setting but they are also a wonderful conversation starter!

We came upon the heirloom yellow tomato (from top photo) and purple bell pepper veggie cups during a recent trip to our favorite local farmer’s market. We often find varieties and variations of even the most basic vegetables that can be astonishing sometimes.
This day, we found a variety of cucumber called yellow cukes pictured above in front of yellow tomato. It looks something like a small white potato, very bland to look at but has a surprisingly bright cucumber flavor. Keep your eye out for them and substitute in any recipe calling for cucumbers. You won’t be disappointed!