Tomato salad with telemea cheese

Tomato salad with telemea: a fresh and healthy delight

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Looking for a quick and simple recipe that is full of flavor and freshness? Tomato salad with telemea is the perfect choice! This classic dish embodies the essence of summer, combining the flavors of fresh vegetables with the sweetness of telemea cheese. Moreover, it is a versatile recipe that can be served as a side dish or as a healthy breakfast. Let’s discover together how to prepare it step by step!

Recipe History

Tomato salad with telemea has deep roots in culinary tradition. It is representative of summer meals when vegetables are at their freshest and most flavorful. Telemea, a cheese with a creamy texture and a slightly salty taste, perfectly complements the sweetness of tomatoes, creating an ideal balance of flavors. Over time, the salad has evolved and been adapted in numerous variations, but the basic recipe has always remained a symbol of simplicity and the joy of eating healthily.

Ingredients

To make a tasty and fresh salad, you will need the following ingredients:

- 3 large tomatoes (choose ripe and juicy tomatoes for intense flavor)
- 1 cucumber (preferably a fresh one with thin skin)
- 1 green bell pepper (for a crunchy note and vibrant color)
- 1 onion (optional, but adds extra flavor)
- 100 g telemea (choose a quality telemea, either cow or sheep)
- Salt to taste (salt will enhance the flavors of the vegetables)
- 4 tablespoons sunflower oil (you can also use olive oil for a more refined taste)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Wash the vegetables: Start by thoroughly washing all the vegetables under a stream of cold water. This step is essential to remove impurities and pesticides.

2. Cut the vegetables:
- Tomatoes: Cut them into cubes or slices, depending on your preference. Don't hesitate to leave the skin on, as it adds color and nutrients.
- Cucumber: Peel it (if it is thicker) and cut it into slices or cubes.
- Green bell pepper: Remove the seeds and cut it into small pieces.
- Onion: Peel and cut it into julienne or cubes, as desired.

3. Prepare the telemea: Cut the telemea into small cubes. This will add a creamy texture and salty taste to the salad.

4. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, add all the cut vegetables and telemea.

5. Season: Salt to taste, being careful not to overdo it, as telemea is already salty. Add the sunflower oil and mix gently, so as not to crush the vegetables.

6. Serve: The salad is now ready to be enjoyed! You can serve it immediately, but if you have time, let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

Useful tips

- Choose fresh ingredients: The fresher the vegetables, the tastier the salad will be. It is ideal to use seasonal products.
- Variations: Try adding olives for a Mediterranean flavor or a few fresh basil leaves to enhance the aroma.
- Preparation steps: You can prepare the vegetables a few hours in advance and keep them in the fridge, adding the telemea and dressing just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Personal inspiration: I discovered this salad at a summer picnic, where the aroma of ripe tomatoes and telemea took me back to moments spent with family. It is a dish that always brings smiles to the table!

Nutritional benefits

This salad is not only delicious but also very healthy. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that helps protect the body, while cucumbers are a water-rich food, excellent for hydration. Telemea provides protein and calcium, being a good source of nutrients. This recipe is low in calories, with approximately 150 calories per serving, depending on the amount of oil used and the type of telemea chosen.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of cheese?
- Absolutely! You can experiment with feta, goat cheese, or even mozzarella, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I store the salad?
- It is recommended to consume it fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 1-2 days.

3. What other dishes can it be combined with?
- This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, fish, or even as a side dish for vegetarian dishes. It also goes great with a refreshing drink, such as lemonade or a dry white wine.

Variations and serving suggestions

To add a touch of originality, you can add some nuts or roasted pumpkin seeds, which will provide a crunchy texture. Additionally, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon can enhance the flavor of the salad.

In conclusion, tomato salad with telemea is an ideal choice for a healthy and tasty meal. It is simple, quick to prepare, and full of colors and flavors. Don't forget to let your imagination run wild and create personalized versions of this classic dish. Enjoy your meal!