Fresh Leaf Salad with Cucumbers and Feta Cheese

This fresh leaf salad with cucumbers and feta cheese is a delightful and refreshing dish, perfect for any mealtime. Packed with vibrant cherry tomatoes, crunchy radishes, and creamy feta cheese, this salad is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The wild salad mix provides a variety of textures and flavors, making each bite interesting and satisfying. A simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, salt, and a touch of sugar perfectly enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables and cheese. This salad is both nutritious and delicious, offering a good balance of protein, vitamins, and healthy fats. It's easy to prepare and can be customized to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Whether serving it as a side dish or a light main course, this salad is sure to be a hit at your table. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a picnic, its vibrant colors and fresh taste make it an ideal choice for any occasion. Enjoy this salad by itself, or pair it with grilled meats or crusty bread for a more substantial meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 170 g wild salad mix
• 1/2 long cucumber
• 10 colorful cherry tomatoes
• 6 radishes
• 150 g feta cheese

Dressing:

• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2-3 teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar
• 2 pinches of salt
• 2 pinches of sugar
• 1 pinch of freshly ground pepper

Preparation Time

Total Time: 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Start by preparing the dressing. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, salt, sugar, and freshly ground pepper. Stir well to ensure the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
2. Place the wild salad mix into a large salad bowl. There's no need to rinse these leaves if they are pre-washed.
3. Wash all the vegetables thoroughly. Peel the cucumber and radishes to ensure the salad has a smooth texture.
4. Cut the cucumber into half-moon slices or quarters, depending on your preference. This adds a nice texture and shape to the salad.
5. Slice the radishes into thick rounds. The radishes provide a slight peppery flavor, which complements the other ingredients.
6. Cut the cherry tomatoes in halves. The burst of color and sweetness they provide is essential for balancing the flavors in the salad.
7. Add all the chopped vegetables to the bowl with the salad mix. Toss gently to combine the ingredients well.
8. Pour the dressing over the salad, tossing it thoroughly to ensure each component is well-coated with the delicious dressing.
9. Taste the salad to check for seasoning. If desired, add a bit more salt, sugar, or lemon juice for taste. Note that vinegar is stronger than lemon juice, so use less if substituting.
10. Finally, take the feta cheese, slice it, and crumble it into the salad. Feta adds a beautiful creamy texture that contrasts with the crisp vegetables.
11. Mix lightly once more to distribute the feta throughout the salad.
12. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy all the fresh flavors at their best.
13. If you prefer, you can chill the salad for a few minutes in the fridge before serving for an even refreshing experience.
14. For added flavor, consider adding a few fresh herbs like basil or mint.
15. For a pop of sweetness, add some dried cranberries or a handful of toasted nuts.
16. Make sure to serve the salad in a large bowl to allow for easy tossing and serving.
17. This salad is ideal for summer gatherings, as it pairs wonderfully with barbecued dishes.
18. Enjoy this delightful salad as a light meal or a satisfying starter.
19. Pair it with a chilled glass of white wine to complement the fresh and creamy flavors.
20. For best results, use fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Tips

• **Customize the herbs**: Add fresh basil or mint for extra flavor.
• **Sweeten it up**: Include dried cranberries or toasted nuts for texture.
• **Dressing variation**: Substitute lemon juice with balsamic vinegar for a richer taste.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 270 per serving
• Protein: 8g
• Fats: 20g
• Carbs: 14g

Variations

• **Vegan option**: Replace feta cheese with tofu or a vegan cheese alternative.
• **Gluten-free**: The recipe itself is already gluten-free, but ensure your cheese does not contain gluten additives.
• **Add more greens**: Use spinach or arugula for a different nutrient profile and taste.

Serving Suggestions

• **Pair with grilled chicken**: Complements the protein for a fuller meal.
• **Serve with crusty bread**: Use the bread to soak up the delightful dressing.
• **Wine pairing**: A crisp white wine or light rosé works well.

Best Places to Enjoy Salad

• The Salad Project - Known for vibrant, fresh salads in a cozy setting. Location: 307 Old St, London, United Kingdom.
• Sweetgreen - Popular spot offering organic and locally sourced salads. Location: 60 State St, Boston, USA.
• Saladstop! - Offers the healthiest and freshest salads in town. Location: 6A Shenton Way, Singapore.
• Salad Lab - A casual eatery with unique and delicious salad offerings. Location: Plaça de Pau Vila, 1, Barcelona, Spain.
• Vertigo - Stylish rooftop restaurant with a fantastic salad menu. Location: Banyan Tree, 21/100 South Sathon Road, Bangkok, Thailand.
• Greenhouse - Offers an excellent selection of salads in a beautiful urban oasis. Location: 1 Martin Place, Sydney, Australia.
• Vitality Booth - Known for health-focused and flavorful salads. Location: Hamburg, Grindelallee 120, Germany.
• Wild and the Moon - Organic and plant-based, offering creative salads. Location: 55 Rue Charlot, Paris, France.
• Lettuce - Offers fresh and flavorful salads for a healthy option. Location: 29 Stanley St, Central, Hong Kong.
• The Little Beet - Serves wholesome and personalized salad options. Location: 320 Park Ave, New York, USA.