Iceberg salad with tomatoes and cheese

Iceberg salad with tomatoes and cheese - An explosion of freshness and color

Spring is a season of rebirth, joy, and vibrant energy. During this time, nature offers us its most beautiful gifts, and we can take advantage of them to create healthy and delicious dishes. The iceberg salad with tomatoes and cheese is a perfect choice for warm days when we can enjoy a light and vitamin-packed meal. This dish is not only easy to make but also full of flavor, perfect to be served as an appetizer or a side dish.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

- 1 iceberg lettuce (about 300 g)
- 1 long cucumber
- 250 g cherry tomatoes
- 150 g cow's cheese (drained)
- A handful of pitted olives
- 1 red bell pepper

Dressing:
- 150 g low-fat yogurt
- 1 tablespoon of quality mustard
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
- Freshly chopped dill (to taste)

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by thoroughly washing the vegetables. It is important to ensure that the iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber are clean to avoid any pesticide residue. Wash them under a stream of cold water, then let them drain well.

2. Cutting the vegetables:
- Cut the iceberg lettuce into long, thin strips, making it easy to serve and eat.
- Slice the cucumber lengthwise, then cut it into thin pieces.
- Cherry tomatoes can be halved or left whole, depending on your preference.
- The red bell pepper is cut into strips or cubes, adding a crunchy note and vibrant color to the salad.

3. Assembling the salad: In a large bowl, combine all the chopped vegetables: iceberg lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, and olives. Bring them together to create a colorful and appetizing mix.

4. Adding the cheese: Cut the cow's cheese into small cubes and add it to the vegetable mix. The cheese will add a creamy and salty flavor that perfectly complements the freshness of the vegetables.

5. Preparing the dressing: In a small bowl, mix the low-fat yogurt with the mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill. Stir well until you achieve a smooth dressing.

6. Finalizing the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently mix to coat the entire composition with the delicious sauce. Be gentle so as not to crush the vegetables.

7. Serving: The iceberg salad with tomatoes and cheese is ready! You can serve it immediately, garnished with a few sprigs of fresh dill for an elegant touch.

Useful tips

- Ingredients: Choose a fresh iceberg lettuce, free of spots or wilted leaves. The cherry tomatoes should be firm and colorful. Cow's cheese can be replaced with feta or goat cheese for a different version.
- Dressing: If you like spicier dressings, you can add a few drops of Tabasco sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra flavor boost.
- Vegan option: You can make a vegan version of this salad using soy or almond yogurt and omitting the cheese, adding avocado instead for a creamy texture.

Nutritional benefits

This salad is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, thanks to the fresh vegetables. Iceberg lettuce is rich in water and fiber, contributing to hydration and maintaining a healthy digestion. Cherry tomatoes are full of antioxidants, especially lycopene, which protects the body from free radicals. Cow's cheese provides protein and calcium, essential for a balanced diet.

Pairings and suggestions

The iceberg salad with tomatoes and cheese pairs perfectly with grilled meats or baked fish. You can also enjoy it alongside fresh whole-grain bread or as part of a picnic. A refreshing drink, such as iced mint tea or basil lemonade, will perfectly complement the meal.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! You can experiment with carrots, radishes, or even fresh dill instead of cheese.
- How can I store the salad for the next day? It is recommended to keep the dressing separate to avoid the vegetables becoming soggy. Assemble the salad just before serving.
- Is this salad suitable for a diet? Yes, it is an excellent choice for a balanced diet, being low in calories and rich in nutrients.

A personal note

This salad reminds me of sunny days spent outdoors, where I enjoyed simple and delicious dishes with friends. It is a dish that not only nourishes the body but also the soul, bringing people together at the table. Try this recipe and let yourself be carried away by the fresh flavors of spring! Enjoy your meal!