Summer Salad

Colorful Summer Salad with Telemea – A Quick and Delicious Treat

In the middle of summer, when the sun shines brightly and fresh ingredients abound, a summer salad becomes the perfect choice to cool off and enjoy vibrant flavors. This simple and quick salad, full of color and taste, is ideal as both an appetizer and a main dish, especially when you want to enjoy a light and healthy meal.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2-3

Necessary ingredients:
- 2 ripe, juicy tomatoes
- 1 yellow bell pepper, full of flavor
- 1 crunchy cucumber
- 1 green onion for a fresh taste
- 1 small leek adding a delicate note
- 100 g creamy and flavorful sheep telemea
- Fresh lemon juice (or, if preferred, bottled lemon juice)
- 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for an extra flavor boost

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by washing all the vegetables well under a stream of cold water. This step is essential to remove any impurities or pesticides. The tomatoes should be ripe but firm to maintain their shape in the salad.

2. Cutting the vegetables:
- Cut the tomatoes into small cubes, being careful not to crush them too much so that the juice does not run excessively.
- The yellow bell pepper, with its sweet flavor, is cut into cubes as well. It will add a vibrant color to your salad.
- The cucumber is sliced thinly or cubed, according to preference. Choose a fresh cucumber with thin skin for better taste.
- Chop the green onion finely, and cut the leek into thin rounds. These ingredients will add a fresh flavor to the salad.

3. Mixing the ingredients:
In a large bowl, add all the chopped vegetables. Gently mix with a wooden spatula or with your hands to avoid crushing the vegetables.

4. Adding the dressing:
Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and lemon juice. The amount of lemon juice can be adjusted according to your preferences – some people prefer a tangier salad, while others prefer it less sour.

5. Adding the telemea:
Grate the sheep telemea over the salad. If you prefer, you can also cut it into small cubes. The telemea will add a creamy and salty note that perfectly balances the sweetness of the vegetables.

6. Serving:
The salad is ready to serve! You can place it on a beautiful platter or in individual bowls. It is an excellent choice for a light lunch or a quick dinner.

Personal suggestions and variations:
- You can add green or black olives for extra flavor.
- If you want a heartier version, you can add canned tuna or cooked chicken cut into cubes.
- A handful of fresh basil or parsley leaves will add extra freshness.
- If you want to enrich the salad, add some nuts or seeds for a crunchy contrast.

Nutritional benefits:
This summer salad is not only colorful but also nutrient-rich. Tomatoes are high in antioxidants, yellow bell peppers provide vitamin C, and cucumbers add necessary hydration. Sheep telemea is a good source of protein and calcium, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can use feta, mozzarella, or even goat cheese, depending on your preferences.

- How can I store the salad for later consumption?
It is best to keep the dressing separate from the vegetables to prevent them from getting soggy. Mix them only before serving.

- What can I serve this salad with?
It is delicious alongside a piece of grilled fish or cooked chicken, but it can also be an excellent side dish for any meal.

Whether you enjoy it alone or with family, this summer salad with telemea is a true culinary delight. Enjoy your meal!