Summer salad with grilled feta

Summer Salad with Fried Feta - an explosion of flavors and colors on your plate

Who doesn’t love a fresh salad, packed with vitamins and flavors that delight your taste buds? This summer salad with fried feta is not only a healthy choice but also a true feast for the eyes and palate. Perfect for light lunches or quick dinners, this simple and quick recipe is sure to become one of your favorites.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 5 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients needed

- 200 g cabbage (fresh and crunchy)
- 4 medium tomatoes (as flavorful as possible)
- 2 carrots (sweet and juicy)
- 100 g lettuce (mixed greens or romaine)
- 150 g mushrooms (preferably champignon, but you can use other types)
- 200 g feta (Greek cheese for an unmistakable taste)
- 3-4 sprigs of fresh rosemary (the ideal aroma)
- 50 ml extra virgin olive oil (for an intense flavor)
- 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with honey or lemon juice (for a touch of acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the summer salad with fried feta

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing all the vegetables under cold running water. Choose fresh, seasonal vegetables to enjoy their full flavor. Slice the cabbage into thin strips and place it in a large bowl. Next, cut the tomatoes into cubes and the mushrooms into thin slices. The carrots can be grated or cut into sticks, depending on your preference. The lettuce can be torn into large pieces for a rustic look.

2. Frying the feta cheese
Now comes the special moment: frying the feta cheese. Cut the feta into cubes of about 2 cm and heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the feta cubes and fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they become golden and crispy. This process will intensify the flavors of the cheese and add a delicious texture to your salad.

3. Mixing the ingredients
In the large bowl with the vegetables, add the fried feta along with the chopped fresh rosemary. This will bring a Mediterranean touch to your salad. Gently mix all the ingredients, being careful not to crumble the feta.

4. Seasoning the salad
For a perfect taste, add the apple cider vinegar with honey or lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount of salt and adjust according to your preferences. Finally, drizzle with olive oil, ensuring the dressing is evenly distributed. Gently mix so that all the ingredients are coated in this flavorful dressing.

5. Serving
Serve the salad immediately, either as a main dish or as a side. You can garnish it with a few sprigs of rosemary for a more appealing look. A delicious variation is to add some black or green olives, which pair perfectly with feta.

Tips and useful advice

- Ingredients: Use seasonal vegetables to benefit from the best flavors and nutrients. Cabbage can be substituted with kale or spinach, and feta can be replaced with goat cheese for a more intense flavor.
- Variations: You can add avocado for a creamy texture or roasted pumpkin seeds for extra crunch. If you prefer a heartier salad, you can add quinoa or cooked chickpeas.
- The perfect pairing: This salad pairs wonderfully with fresh lemonade or a dry white wine, which will complement the Mediterranean flavors.

Nutritional benefits

This salad is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber, tomatoes provide antioxidants, and feta adds protein and calcium. Olive oil is a healthy fat, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which contribute to heart health.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use vegan cheese? Yes, you can substitute feta with a vegan feta-style cheese, and the salad will still be delicious.
- How can I store the salad for the next day? The salad can be stored in the fridge, but it is recommended to consume it fresh. The dressing should be added just before serving to avoid soggy ingredients.

Now that you have all the secrets of this summer salad with fried feta, all that’s left is to get cooking! Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent around the table with your loved ones. Bon appétit!