Hot Girl Summer Salad (TikTok Recipe)

The Hot Girl Summer Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that gained immense popularity on TikTok, originally created by user @herdresscode. This crunchy, flavorful salad combines fresh vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, and a zesty Italian dressing, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch, dinner, or meal prep option.​Sugar and Soul+2Her Wholesome Kitchen+2I Am Homesteader+2

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with fresh vegetables and protein-rich hard-boiled eggs, this salad offers a balanced and filling meal.​
• Quick and Easy: With minimal preparation and no cooking required, you can assemble this salad in just 15 minutes.​
• Versatile: Perfect for meal prep, picnics, or as a side dish, this salad stays fresh and flavorful for days.​
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs by adding or substituting ingredients.​

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Hard-boiled eggs​adelaidenow+1Sugar and Soul+1
• Cucumbers​Cooklist: Plan • Shop • Cook+2I Am Homesteader+2Sugar and Soul+2
• Green bell peppers​dailytelegraph+10Her Wholesome Kitchen+10I Am Homesteader+10
• Red onion​Her Wholesome Kitchen+12TikTok+12TikTok+12
• Pepperoncini peppers​Sugar and Soul+3Cooklist: Plan • Shop • Cook+3I Am Homesteader+3
• Roasted sunflower kernels​Cooklist: Plan • Shop • Cook+2Sugar and Soul+2Her Wholesome Kitchen+2
• Salt and black pepper​Her Wholesome Kitchen
• Zesty Italian Dressing:
  • Extra virgin olive oil​
  • Red wine vinegar​Her Wholesome Kitchen
  • Maple syrup or honey​
  • Lemon juice​
  • Garlic powder​Sugar and Soul
  • Italian seasoning​Her Wholesome Kitchen
  • Paprika​
  • Red pepper flakes​Her Wholesome Kitchen

Directions

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine all the dressing ingredients and mix well.​Her Wholesome Kitchen
2. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, add the chopped cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion, hard-boiled eggs, pepperoncini peppers, and roasted sunflower kernels.​Cooklist: Plan • Shop • Cook+3Sugar and Soul+3Her Wholesome Kitchen+3
3. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the zesty Italian dressing over the salad ingredients. Start with half of the dressing and toss to coat. Add more dressing as desired.​Her Wholesome Kitchen
4. Serve and Store: Enjoy the salad immediately, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.​Her Wholesome Kitchen

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4-5 servings.​Her Wholesome Kitchen
• Total Time: 15 minutes​Her Wholesome Kitchen+1Cooklist: Plan • Shop • Cook+1

Variations

• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for additional protein.​
• Cheese Addition: Incorporate feta or mozzarella balls for a creamy texture.​Time
• Spicy Kick: Include sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for added heat.​
• Different Dressings: Experiment with balsamic vinaigrette or a lemon-herb dressing for a flavor twist.​

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors often intensify over time, making it even more delicious.​
• Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold. If you prefer it at room temperature, let it sit out for a few minutes before serving.​

FAQs

How can I make hard-boiled eggs for this salad?

To prepare hard-boiled eggs, place them in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let them sit, covered, for 9-12 minutes. Transfer the eggs to an ice bath to cool before peeling.

Can I use store-bought dressing instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use a store-bought zesty Italian dressing to save time. However, making your own allows you to adjust the flavors to your preference.

Are there any substitutes for pepperoncini peppers?

If you can’t find pepperoncini peppers, banana peppers or even pickles can be used as substitutes to provide a similar tangy flavor.

Can I add leafy greens to this salad?

Certainly! Adding arugula, spinach, or mixed greens can enhance the nutritional value and add a different texture to the salad.

Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly. Ensure that all ingredients, especially the dressing components, align with vegetarian guidelines.

How can I make this salad vegan?

To make this salad vegan, omit the hard-boiled eggs and consider adding a plant-based protein source like chickpeas or tofu.

What other nuts or seeds can I use instead of sunflower kernels?

You can substitute sunflower kernels with chopped almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds for a different crunch and flavor profile.

How do I prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy?

To maintain the crunchiness of the vegetables, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving. This prevents the vegetables from absorbing too much moisture.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, this salad is excellent for meal prep. Store the dressed salad in the refrigerator, and it will remain fresh for up to 4-5 days.

What dishes pair well with this salad?

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal.

Conclusion

The Hot Girl Summer Salad is a delightful and nutritious dish that embodies the essence of fresh, wholesome eating. Its combination of crisp vegetables, protein-rich eggs, and flavorful dressing makes it a versatile addition to your meal repertoire. Whether you’re seeking a quick lunch, a side dish, or a meal prep option, this salad is sure to satisfy your cravings and keep you energized throughout the day.​

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