Description
A refreshing take on a traditional German dish, this Spätzle salad is packed with fresh vegetables and a creamy, zesty dressing. Perfect for a light meal or a delightful side, it offers a wonderful blend of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- Spätzle: freshly prepared or store-bought
- Cucumber: 1, crisp and fresh
- Bell Pepper: 1 (red or yellow)
- Cherry Tomatoes: ripe and sweet
- Cream Cheese: low-fat
- Natural Yogurt:
- Lemon Juice: freshly squeezed
- Herbs: (chives, parsley), freshly chopped
- Pepper: to taste
- Salt: to taste
Instructions
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the Spätzle and cook them according to package directions.
- Once the Spätzle float to the surface, they are done.
- Drain and let cool briefly.
- Wash the cucumber, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes thoroughly.
- Cut the cucumber into fine slices, the bell pepper into small cubes, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Place everything in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the cream cheese and yogurt.
- Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and season with pepper and salt to taste.
- Stir well until a creamy consistency is achieved.
- When the Spätzle have cooled, add them to the cut vegetables in the large bowl.
- Then pour the dressing over the mixture.
- Gently fold everything with a large spoon until well combined.
- Add the freshly chopped herbs.
- Fold gently again so that the aroma is evenly distributed.
- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish as desired with additional herbs or cherry tomato halves.
Notes
Notes:
- Store Spätzle salad in the refrigerator (about 2-3 days in an airtight container).
- To preserve texture, store Spätzle and dressing ingredients separately and mix just before serving.
- Cook Spätzle al dente and rinse with cold water to keep them firm and allow them to absorb flavors optimally.
- For a personal touch, consider swapping vegetables (e.g., fresh bell peppers instead of cucumbers) or adding radishes or green beans.
- When making the dressing, you can experiment with different vinegars like apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar.
- Add a pinch of lemon juice to the dressing to give the salad a refreshing note and enhance flavors.
- Garnish with additional herbs or cherry tomato halves for color contrast.
- For extra crunch, add roasted nuts.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg