Homemade jarred vegetable salad: A winter pantry essential

Jarred vegetable salad is one of those preserves that work for any occasion. Whether preparing dinner, organizing a party, or simply craving something crunchy and healthy—this salad always finds its place on the table. A simple recipe based on seasonal vegetables lets you capture summer flavours in a jar, which you can enjoy all winter. August is the best time to take advantage of nature's bountiful vegetables. Thanks to this vegetable salad, you can enjoy their freshness and flavour even on the coldest days.

Preparing homemade vegetable salad is an excellent way to use seasonal products and fill your pantry with delicious preserves. Although the recipe might seem time-consuming, it’s simple to make, and the end result will surely reward every minute spent in the kitchen.

Ingredients needed to prepare the salad:                      

• 1 kilogram of pickling cucumbers
• 1 kilogram of white cabbage
• 5 carrots
• 2 yellow bell peppers
• 4 red bell peppers
• 3 scallions
• 150 millilitres of vinegar
• 250 millilitres of oil
• 100 grams of sugar
• 3 tablespoons of salt
• 2 bay leaves (per jar)
• a few grains of pepper and mustard seeds (per jar)

Preparation:        

1. Wash all vegetables thoroughly and cut them into thin strips. Chop the scallions.
2. Mix the cut vegetables in a large bowl. Add salt and mix well. Let it sit for about 15 minutes so the vegetables release their juice.
3. After 15 minutes, squeeze the vegetables to remove the juice. Transfer to a pot, add vinegar, sugar, oil, and spices. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Sterilize the jars thoroughly.
5. Fill the sterilized jars with the hot salad, seal tightly, and place them upside down to cool.

Vegetable salad is an excellent way to use seasonal vegetables and a fantastic idea to diversify winter meals. When fresh vegetables are less available, such preserves are perfect for dinners, suppers, or sandwiches. Jarred vegetable salad can also be an excellent snack during social gatherings—all guests will surely appreciate its bold flavour and crunchy texture.

Jarred salad has many benefits—it’s delicious and healthy. It contains many vitamins and minerals, and its preparation does not require complicated culinary skills. Moreover, homemade preserves guarantee the absence of preservatives and artificial additives, making them a much healthier choice than store-bought products.

With this vegetable salad, your pantry will be filled with colourful jars, waiting for the right moment to remind you of the taste of summer. Don’t wait until the vegetable season passes—prepare the salad now and enjoy its unique flavour all year round.