Refreshing Salad with Meatballs

Refreshing Salad with Meatballs offers a delightful blend of flavors, combining the rustic taste of green ingredients with the savory appeal of meatballs. This dish embraces nature with a handful of wild greens such as goutweed, dandelion leaves, and sorrel, which lend a fresh vibrancy to the salad. Complemented by crunchy cucumbers and a unique rhubarb mash, the dish achieves a perfect harmony of flavors. Tender meatballs add a hearty element, making it a perfect appetizer or light meal. With a hint of garlic and a touch of sweetness, the salad is both refreshing and satisfying, suitable for various occasions. The recipe uses local and fresh ingredients, ensuring that each bite is packed with nutrition and taste. Whether you're a salad enthusiast or just exploring new culinary experiences, this dish promises an exciting sensory journey. Easy to prepare and visually appealing, it’s a great way to incorporate greens into your diet. The dressing, made using mineral water, rapeseed oil, and spices, ties all the ingredients together beautifully, making each forkful a delightful experience.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 handful wild greens (goutweed, dandelion leaves, sorrel)
• 500 g rhubarb
• 300 g mini meatballs
• 5 medium-sized cucumbers

Spices and Sauces

• 3 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp salt
• 7 garlic cloves
• 5 young currant shoots
• 1 liter mineral water
• 20 ml rapeseed oil

Preparation Time

Total time: 130 min.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Begin by finely chopping the rhubarb and placing it in a saucepan with 2 tablespoons of sugar.
2. Heat gently until the rhubarb softens, then blend it into a smooth mash. Set aside.
3. Slice off the ends of the cucumbers and set them in a bowl.
4. In a separate bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of salt with 1 tablespoon of sugar and mineral water. Stir well until the salt and sugar dissolve.
5. Peel the garlic cloves and flatten them slightly with the side of a knife. Add both garlic and currant shoots to the cucumbers.
6. Pour the salt and sugar marinade over the cucumbers, ensuring they are fully coated. Let them marinate for a few hours.
7. Wash and arrange the wild greens either in a bowl or on a serving board.
8. Slice the marinated cucumbers and arrange them with the greens.
9. Drizzle rapeseed oil over the salad.
10. Skewer the meatballs and gently place them atop the salad without crushing the greens.
11. Using a teaspoon, add dollops of rhubarb puree around the salad.
12. If necessary, sprinkle a bit of salt over the salad for added flavor.
13. Decorate the dish with small meadow flowers for a touch of natural beauty.
14. Serve with a smile and enjoy the refreshing, earthy flavors!

Tips

• Substitution: If wild greens are unavailable, replace them with spinach or arugula.
• Marination Tip: For a more intense flavor, marinate cucumbers overnight.
• Seasonal Variation: In winter, swap fresh greens with lightly sautéed ones for a warm salad version.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 per serving
• Protein: 15g
• Fats: 10g
• Carbs: 50g

Variations

• Vegan Option: Substitute meatballs with grilled tofu or tempeh.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade for extra heat.
• Herb Infusion: Enhance the herbal flavor by incorporating fresh mint or basil.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dish: Pair with ciabatta bread or garlic toast.
• Drink Pairing: Complement with a refreshing lemonade or a light white wine.
• Garnish: Top with roasted nuts or seeds for added crunch.

Best Places

• The Leafy Greens Café - Known for their innovative use of wild greens in tasty salads. Location: 123 Greenway Blvd, Portland, USA.
• Rhubarb Delight - Famous for their rhubarb-infused dishes. Location: 55 Orchard St, Bristol, UK.
• Fresh Bites Bistro - Offers a range of meals with seasonal, local ingredients. Location: 32 Farm Lane, Melbourne, Australia.
• Nature’s Palette - Focuses on naturally sourced and organic dishes. Location: 78 Woodland Drive, Vancouver, Canada.
• Garden-to-Table Eatery - Emphasizes farm-to-table dining with fresh herbs and greens. Location: 66 Sprout Ave, Copenhagen, Denmark.
• The Rustic Chef - Combines rustic charm with gourmet meals. Location: 89 Meadow Lane, Dublin, Ireland.
• Seasonal Savors - Dedicated to seasonal cuisine and freshness. Location: 101 Spring Rd, Cape Town, South Africa.
• The Urbane Eater - Modern dining with an emphasis on fresh flavors. Location: 47 City Ave, Singapore, Singapore.
• Herb Haven - Celebrated for its unique use of herbs in culinary creations. Location: 90 Green St, Wellington, New Zealand.
• Wild Harvest Spot - Specializes in wildcrafted ingredients for a unique palette. Location: 12 Nature Blvd, Stockholm, Sweden.