Salad with cheese and olives

Fresh salad with cheese and olives – a feast of flavors

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Description:
Hello, cooking enthusiasts! Today I invite you to prepare a fresh and delicious salad together, perfect for warm days or as a side dish alongside a hearty meal. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines crunchy textures and intense tastes. The salad with cheese and olives is not only quick to prepare but also a healthy choice, packed with nutrients that will energize you throughout the day. Let's get started!

Ingredients:
- 1 head of lettuce
- 2 ripe, juicy tomatoes
- 200 g olives (green or black, as preferred)
- 150 g cheese (preferably mozzarella or low-fat cottage cheese)
- Salt, to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Recipe history:
Salad is a dish with deep roots in culinary history, often considered a symbol of freshness and health. Over time, salads have evolved and diversified, being associated with different cultures and culinary traditions. The combination of fresh vegetables with cheeses and olive oil is a practice that has gained popularity due to its nutritional benefits and exquisite taste.

Step by step:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the lettuce thoroughly under cold running water. Remove any wilted or damaged leaves, and after washing, tear them into smaller pieces. This not only helps with presentation but also enhances the texture.

2. Cutting the tomatoes: Tomatoes are essential for adding a bit of juiciness and sweetness to the salad. Cut them in half and then slice them into rounds. Make sure to choose well-ripened tomatoes, as they will enrich the salad with their intense flavors.

3. Cheese: Choose a cheese that you like. Mozzarella is soft and creamy, while cottage cheese adds a lighter, fresher note. Cut the cheese into rounds about 1 cm thick to keep it juicy.

4. Olives: Use green or black olives, depending on your preference. If you have olives with pits, make sure to carefully pit them. Add them whole to the salad for a pleasant contrast of textures.

5. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the torn lettuce, sliced tomatoes, cheese, and olives. Gently mix to avoid breaking the cheese. It's important to keep each ingredient in its whole form as much as possible.

6. Seasoning: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the salad. This will add a richness and intense flavor. Sprinkle a little salt, being careful not to overdo it, as the olives are already salty. Mix again gently.

7. Serving: The salad is ready to serve! You can present it on a beautiful platter or divide it into individual portions. This salad pairs wonderfully with a slice of fresh bread or as a side dish for meat or fish dishes.

Practical tips:
- Choosing ingredients: Use fresh ingredients for the best results. Buy seasonal vegetables, as they will have a more intense flavor.
- Vegan option: If you're looking for a vegan option, you can replace the cheese with marinated tofu or a mix of nuts and seeds for an extra protein boost.
- Optional additions: Try adding avocado slices or sunflower seeds for added texture. Also, a few fresh basil leaves will bring a Mediterranean flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
This salad is not only delicious but also healthy! Lettuce is rich in vitamins A and K, while tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Olives are an excellent source of healthy fats, and cheese offers quality protein.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of cheese? Absolutely! You can experiment with feta cheese, goat cheese, or even grated parmesan, depending on your personal tastes.
- How can I store the salad for the next day? It is recommended to keep the ingredients separate to avoid sogginess. Mix them just before serving.
- What drinks pair well with this salad? A fresh lemonade or a chilled white wine are excellent choices.

Conclusion:
The salad with cheese and olives is a quick and simple recipe, but with a maximum impact on flavor. Whether you enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or as an appetizer, every bite will bring a smile to your face. Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to try this recipe at home and enjoy the fresh flavors! Enjoy your meal!