Universal Italian Salad Dressing

Here it is, my favorite combo: Hot weather (yes, finally... even here, in Sweden), one dressing, hundreds of vegetables. A perfect start of everyday´s lunch. Crunchy, juicy, refreshing... After all those days of rice and curries, I was very excited to 'cook' this crunchy salad for a change and I have to admit, there is nothing more flavorful than freshly cut mixed vegetables.
There are thousands of recipes for salads, I only have one: wash, peel (only if necessary) and cut into bite size pieces. A general rule for any kind of veggie you find in the house.

And as for the dressing:
Add a few drops of olive oil and vinegar (or wine). Garnish with nuts, seeds or breadcrumbs, chopped fresh herbs, salt and black pepper, chili flakes and Voila! …. Hroomst, hroomst, hroomst... little rabbit :)
In order to synchronize though, here is a fancy one:

UNIVERSAL ITALIAN SALAD DRESSING:

spice ladder: *

makes: 1 portion
prep time: 10 minutes

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp wine vinegar
• 1 tsp mustard
  
• 1 tsp dried herbs (marjoram, oregano, parsley, thyme...)
  
• pinch of dried chili flakes
  
• salt
• black pepper
• black olives
• sunflower seeds

Place all the ingredients in a glass bottle, cover tightly and shake well to combine all the flavors. Pour over the chopped vegetables and enjoy. What is not eaten can be stored in the fridge.

I used fresh carrots, tomatoes and iceberg salad.

* Note: Substitute oil and vinegar for 1 yogurt and eventually pressed garlic clove. Try also different types of mustard (Dijon mustard, or the one with horse radish) or herbs (I like marjoram, oregano and thyme). Also keep in mind that :

....fresh herbs add more flavor...
....makes great entry together with a pasta dish...