Salad with tomatoes, cheese, and poppy seeds

Fresh Salad with Tomatoes, Cheese, and Poppy Seeds

Discover a simple and quick recipe, perfect for warm days or as a side dish for a barbecue. This salad with tomatoes, fresh cheese, and poppy seeds brings a mix of flavors and textures that will not only delight your taste buds but also add a touch of freshness to your table.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2

Recipe History

This salad has deep roots in culinary traditions, where the combination of fresh vegetables and cheese has been used for centuries to create nutritious and healthy dishes. Tomatoes, full of vitamins and antioxidants, are a versatile ingredient, while fresh cheese adds a creamy note that perfectly complements the tangy flavor of the apples. Poppy seeds not only add a crunchy texture but also a unique flavor, making this salad an ideal choice for any occasion.

Ingredients

- 2 medium tomatoes, preferably juicy
- 1 sprig of young, aromatic green onion
- 75 g fresh sheep cheese (or cottage cheese, if you prefer)
- 2 teaspoons of poppy seeds
- 1/2 tart and juicy apple (such as Granny Smith)
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
- A pinch of sugar
- A pinch of salt

Step-by-step preparation

1. Prepare the ingredients
Start by washing the tomatoes under a stream of cold water. Cut them into medium-sized cubes, being careful to keep the juice. This will add extra flavor to your salad.

2. Cutting the other ingredients
Peel the apple and remove the core. Cut it into small cubes, ensuring it is juicy and tart. This will provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the tomatoes and the saltiness of the cheese.

3. Green onion
Wash the green onion and slice it thinly. The onion adds a note of freshness and a subtle flavor that will perfectly complement the other ingredients.

4. Combining the ingredients
In a large bowl or plate, add the chopped tomatoes, apple, and green onion.

5. Adding the cheese
Cut the fresh sheep cheese into small cubes and add it to the bowl. The cheese provides a creamy texture that enriches the salad.

6. Preparing the dressing
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated. The dressing will add a balanced taste to the salad.

7. Final assembly
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently mix to avoid crushing the ingredients. Add the poppy seeds on top and mix lightly again to distribute evenly.

8. Serving
Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients. You can add some green salad leaves or arugula for an extra touch of color and texture.

Tips and useful advice

- Choosing tomatoes: Opt for in-season, ripe tomatoes to achieve a salad with an intense flavor. Heirloom tomatoes are a wonderful choice due to their varied flavors and vibrant colors.
- Cheese varieties: If you don't have sheep cheese, you can use feta cheese or cottage cheese. Each variant will offer a different but equally delicious taste.
- Apple alternative: If you prefer a sweeter note, you can replace the tart apple with a sweet apple or fresh peach slices.
- Customized dressing: Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as balsamic vinegar, to change the flavor profile of the salad.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This salad is not only tasty but also healthy. One serving contains approximately 150 calories and is rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. Tomatoes are known for their heart health benefits, while the apple adds extra fiber, aiding digestion.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I add other vegetables? Yes, you can add bell peppers or cucumbers to create an even more varied salad.
- How can I store the salad? It is recommended to consume the salad immediately, but you can keep the ingredients uncombined in the fridge for a few hours.
- Can I use other types of cheese? Of course! Goat cheese or fresh mozzarella are excellent alternatives.

Combining with other dishes

This fresh salad pairs perfectly with grilled meat, fish, or even as a side for a cheese platter. You can serve it alongside a glass of dry white wine or mineral water with lemon for a complete and refined meal.

In conclusion, this salad with tomatoes, cheese, and poppy seeds is not just a simple recipe but an explosion of flavors and textures that will make you feel good, both through taste and nutritional benefits. Enjoy every bite and relish the freshness of the ingredients!