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Fire and Ice Salad!



This "Fire and Ice Salad" is an old favorite in the south.  My mother has been making a version of this since I was just a little girl.  It makes great use of all of the fresh produce we have available every summer.   The name comes from the cool vegetables and the little kick the dressing has.  My mother's version doesn't have the kick, probably because she doesn't like the hotter spiciness, but as most of you know, I love heat so my version is more fiery.   You can adapt it to your tastes. 


 Here is what you will need:

1/2 cup cider vinegar (can use white)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 Tbs. minced garlic
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper (fresh ground pepper)
1 tsp. celery seeds
1/2 tsp. ground mustard
6-7 drops of hot sauce (optional)
2 medium sweet onions, sliced and separated into rings (preferably Vidalia)
2 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced thin
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 medium vine ripe tomatoes, diced
2 Tbs. minced jalapeno pepper (you can use a fresh, seeded pepper or the pickled rings)
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)


Mix the first 9 ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil.  Boil for about 1 minute.  You can also do this in the microwave for about 3-4 minutes.   Set off of the heat to cool while you prepare the rest of the vegetables.



I like to dice the green pepper in smaller pieces and just separate the onion into rings.



Peel and slice the cucumbers in thin slices.



Place all of the vegetables and the basil in a salad bowl with a tight fitting lid and pour the cooled dressing overall.  The dressing doesn't have to be completely cool and can be still slightly warm.  Toss the vegetables, cover and place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the vegetables soak up some of the flavor.  The fresh basil is optional in this.  It's something I usually add, just because I grow tons of it and like to use it, but it does add great flavor.



This holds up in the refrigerator for a couple of days and if you only add the tomato to the portion you are serving, it lasts even longer.  I really love it with grilled foods or even pinto beans and cornbread!  It's just so fresh tasting!




17 comments:

  1. Dang it, this sounds wonderful...have most of the ingredients on hamd, will fix this weekend!

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  2. How do you know when a comment is made by a southerner? "I'll fix it this weekend." I believe I'll fix some too.

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    1. because we "fix" and don't make, or put it together. don't use about either.

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    2. Does it matter if the comment is from a southerner? Really? Correcting accents or dialogs. Who cares.. This recipe freaking good and that comes from a foreigner!

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    3. I'm fixing to go to the store to get what I need. I am going to fix this for my daughter's graduation party.

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  3. sounds really good - going to try it tonite. Have another one for you thats really good, we call it slop (ha ha) Use fresh garden veggies, tomatos, cuke, green pepper and onion. Cut up in bowl add salt and pepper and pour buttermilk over to cover. Seal and put in fridge either overnite or up to 4 hrs. This is a New Castle, Va. receipt thats easy and really good.

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  4. Just made this salad. We loved it. Made it with vegetables from our garden which made it extra special. Thank you so much for posting. Will add to my favorites.

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  5. That looks great and reminds me of my mom's but we never put peppers or hot sauce in it - I must try it soon!

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  6. Most everything from the garden, it's in the frig, but what I sampled, It was wonderful!

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  7. This is our new favorite. I cut the sugar in half because we like it a little tart. But the flavor is soooo good. I will try your tip about the tomatoes cause it gets watery real fast.

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  8. Similar to what Mom made but with more ingredients. Loved her's and can't wait to try this.

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  9. Has anyone tried it with Balsamic vinegar?

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  10. This looks delicious ! I'm maing it this week...
    Fruit Bowl & Salad Bowl



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  11. I made this today! When I was boiling the 1st none ingredients....all I could smell was the cider vinegar. ~ But I continued with the recipe.....and when all was said and done....it was delicious!!!
    (I added some julieened apples and a little squeeze of fresh lime & fresh lemon!)

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  12. Making this tonight as the side to pulled pork BBQ sandwiches - my boys can't wait!

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  13. Im finna fix this tonight. ..ooh by the way im from the deep south..hey yall! LOL!

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  14. I have been making this for a couple of summers now,delicious. Thank you for the recipe.

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