As the days get shorter and the nights longer, we spend more time indoors. But that doesn’t mean we can’t bring our gardens indoors.
If you have a veggie garden, what better way to celebrate the fruits (and vegetables) of your labour than with hearty salads made with fresh ingredients? That is why we’ve compiled a list of four of our favourite salad recipes with locally grown ingredients and the convenience of growing them yourself with the help of Garden Master. No veggie garden? No problem! Continue reading to the end.
From hearty roasted veggies to old favourites with a twist, these salads offer a flavourful journey through South African autumn harvests, perfect for any occasion.
Roasted Butternut, Beetroot, and Brussels Sprouts Salad:
Ingredients:
- Butternut, cubed
- Beetroot, roasted and diced
- Brussels sprouts, halved and roasted
- Mixed lettuce
- Toasted pumpkin seeds
Honey Balsamic Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Toss cubed butternut, roasted beets, and Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast until tender and slightly caramelised.
- Arrange mixed lettuce on a platter and top with the roasted vegetables.
- Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds over the salad.
- Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper for the dressing. Drizzle over the salad and serve.
Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing:
Ingredients:
- Romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
- Croutons
- Parmesan cheese, grated
Caesar Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 anchovy fillets, mashed (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and mashed anchovy fillets (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss torn romaine lettuce with the Caesar dressing until well coated.
- Top with croutons and grated parmesan cheese before serving.
Roasted Peppers with Capers and Fresh Basil Salad:
Ingredients:
- Assorted green peppers, roasted and sliced
- Capers, drained
- Fresh basil leaves, torn
Balsamic Glaze:
- Use any store-bought balsamic glaze. Alternatively, whisk together three tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and one table spoon of honey. Season to taste.
Method:
- Arrange roasted pepper slices on a serving platter.
- Sprinkle capers and torn basil leaves over the peppers.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy finish.
Kale and Chickpea Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing:
Ingredients:
- Fresh kale, chopped
- Cooked chickpeas
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Toasted pine nuts
Lemon Tahini Dressing:
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Massage chopped kale with a bit of olive oil to soften.
- In a large bowl, combine kale, cooked chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, water, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts before serving.
Starting Your Own Garden Master Vegetable Garden
Thinking of starting a veggie garden of your own? Well you’re in the right place! We’ve made it really easy with our range of gardening products. Our veggie pack provides a convenient assortment of essential vegetable seeds, carefully selected for their flavour and ease of cultivation, ensuring a bountiful harvest in no time. Alternatively, opt for our range of baby vegetable seeds. For beginners, invest in one of our seed starter kits to germinate seeds successfully and create healthy seedlings to transplant into your veggie garden.
To ensure optimal growth, nourish your seedlings with a good helping of our organic compost – available in 30dm3 or 60dm3 bags. This will enrich the soil with vital nutrients, promoting healthy root development and growth.
To protect your seedlings from harsh weather conditions, or to extend the growing season, our greenhouse provides a protected environment for tender seedlings and heat-loving crops, allowing you to garden year-round.
If you’re unsure about what to plant first, our monthly gardening checklist has got you covered.
Now Indulge!
Celebrate the flavours of South African autumn with these four delectable salads, each showcasing the freshness and versatility of locally grown vegetables. With Garden Master products, growing your own garden-fresh produce has never been easier, allowing you to savour the taste of homegrown goodness in every bite. Enjoy these vibrant salads as a nutritious meal or a flavourful side dish.
Remember to visit your nearest Makro, Builder’s Warehouse or Game for all the tools you need to create a vibrant vegetable garden. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for more gardening trends and tips.
