Healthy Mixed Vegetable Salad with Homemade Mustard Dressing | Easy Filling Lunch or Light Dinner Recipe

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Healthy mixed vegetable salad with peas, green beans, corn, cheese, egg, olives, and homemade mustard dressing

A good salad should be more than a side dish—it should be colorful, satisfying, and packed with ingredients that make every bite enjoyable. This healthy mixed vegetable salad brings together fresh vegetables, tender peas, crunchy green beans, sweet corn, creamy cheese, olives, and boiled egg, all finished with a rich homemade mustard dressing.

What makes this recipe special is its balance of textures and flavors. Crisp lettuce and cucumber provide freshness, while peas, corn, cheese, and egg make the salad substantial enough to serve as a complete meal. The homemade mustard dressing ties everything together with a creamy, tangy finish that enhances every ingredient without overpowering it.

Whether you're looking for a healthy lunch, a light dinner, or a colorful side dish for family meals, this easy vegetable salad is a simple recipe you'll want to make again and again.

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

  • Packed with fresh vegetables and nutritious ingredients
  • Filling enough to enjoy as a complete meal
  • Easy to prepare with simple everyday ingredients
  • Homemade mustard dressing adds incredible flavor
  • Perfect for lunch, dinner, picnics, and meal prep
  • Naturally colorful and visually appealing
  • Easily customizable based on seasonal vegetables
  • Great way to include more vegetables in your daily diet

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 100 g peas
  • 100 g green beans
  • 2 medium carrots
  • 1 cucumber
  • Lettuce leaves
  • 100 g cheese, diced
  • 100 g tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
  • 70 g sweet corn
  • 30 g black olives
  • Green olives, to taste
  • 1 egg
  • Optional radishes for garnish
  • Salt for cooking vegetables

For the Homemade Mustard Dressing

  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar
  • Salt to taste
  • About ½ cup olive oil
  • Freshly ground black pepper 

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Peas and Egg

Bring a saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the peas and cook for about 15 minutes until tender. In another pot, boil the egg until fully cooked, then cool and peel.

Step 2: Prepare the Carrots

Peel and grate the carrots into thin strips. If some strips are too thick, cut them lengthwise to create fine, delicate pieces. Cook the carrots for approximately 10 minutes until just tender while still retaining some texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Green Beans

Trim the green beans and cook them until tender-crisp. Drain and allow them to cool completely.

Step 4: Cut the Remaining Vegetables

Slice the cucumber into medium-thick rounds. Cutting decorative strips into the skin beforehand creates an attractive presentation.

Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces.

Cut the cheese into small cubes.

Slice or quarter the tomatoes depending on their size.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

Spread the lettuce evenly across a large serving platter.

Arrange the peas, green beans, carrots, cucumber slices, cheese cubes, olives, tomatoes, and corn over the lettuce.

Cut the boiled egg into quarters and place it around the salad.

If using radishes, add them as a final garnish.

Step 6: Make the Mustard Dressing

In a bowl, combine the mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Whisk continuously while slowly adding the olive oil, a few drops at a time at first. Continue whisking until the dressing thickens and becomes smooth and creamy.

This gradual addition of oil helps create a texture similar to a light homemade mayonnaise.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Pour the dressing evenly over the salad just before serving.

Serve immediately while the vegetables are fresh and crisp.

Tips for Best Results

  • Allow cooked vegetables to cool completely before assembling the salad.
  • Use fresh, crisp lettuce for the best texture.
  • Add the dressing just before serving to prevent sogginess.
  • Whisk the dressing continuously while adding oil for a thicker consistency.
  • Chill the salad ingredients beforehand for a more refreshing result.
  • Use high-quality olive oil for a richer flavor.

Possible Variations

Add Protein

Include grilled chicken, tuna, chickpeas, or cooked shrimp for an even heartier meal.

Make It Vegetarian-Friendly

Use your favorite vegetarian cheese and add extra beans or chickpeas.

Add More Crunch

Sprinkle toasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or walnuts over the salad.

Mediterranean Style

Add feta cheese, red onion, and extra olives for a Mediterranean-inspired version.

Low-Carb Option

Reduce the corn and peas while increasing cucumber, lettuce, and green beans.

Colorful vegetable salad topped with egg, olives, cheese, and creamy mustard vinaigrette

FAQ

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare all ingredients in advance and store them separately. Add the dressing shortly before serving.

What cheese works best in this recipe?

Mild cheeses such as Edam, Gouda, mozzarella, or cheddar cubes work very well.

Can I use frozen peas?

Absolutely. Frozen peas are convenient and maintain good texture when cooked properly.

How long does the homemade mustard dressing last?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it can last up to 3 days.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes. Keep the dressing separate and combine everything when ready to eat.

Can I replace the mustard dressing?

Certainly. Lemon vinaigrette, yogurt dressing, or a light balsamic dressing are excellent alternatives.

Storage Tips

  • Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Consume within 24 hours for the best freshness.
  • Keep dressing separate whenever possible.
  • Do not freeze, as the vegetables may lose their texture after thawing.

Serving Suggestions

This mixed vegetable salad pairs beautifully with:

  • Grilled chicken breast
  • Roasted fish
  • Homemade soups
  • Sandwiches and wraps
  • Barbecue dishes
  • Fresh bread and olive oil
  • Light summer meals

It can also be enjoyed on its own as a nutritious lunch or light dinner.

Conclusion

Fresh, colorful, and wonderfully satisfying, this healthy mixed vegetable salad proves that simple ingredients can create something truly delicious. The combination of tender vegetables, creamy cheese, protein-rich egg, and a homemade mustard dressing makes every bite balanced and flavorful.

Whether you're preparing a quick family lunch, planning healthy meals for the week, or looking for a refreshing side dish, this easy salad recipe delivers freshness, nutrition, and great taste in one beautiful bowl.

If you're looking for a healthy salad that is both filling and full of flavor, this mixed vegetable salad is a fantastic choice. Made with fresh vegetables, cheese, egg, and a creamy homemade mustard dressing, it's easy to prepare and perfect for everyday meals. Watch the video below to see the complete preparation step by step.

https://youtu.be/k4cw-Zz7HoQ

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