Fresh Arugula and Feta Salad

This delightful arugula and feta salad is a refreshing and vibrant addition to any meal, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. With the peppery bite of arugula, creamy feta cheese, sweet tomatoes, and the tangy red onions, it creates a symphony of tastes in every bite. The salad is further enhanced by a drizzle of premium balsamic dressing, adding a rich and luxurious touch. Quick and easy to prepare, this salad is perfect for busy days or when you want to impress guests with a delightful starter or side dish. It's not only nutritious but also visually appealing, with its vivid colors and delectable aroma. Whether you're looking for a light lunch, a healthy dinner option, or a complementary side for your grilled meats, this salad fits the bill. It's versatile, satisfying, and can be easily adjusted to suit personal preferences or dietary needs. Try it once, and it's sure to become a staple in your salad repertoire.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• Arugula - 4 cups, washed and dried
• Feta cheese - 100 grams, crumbled
• Tomatoes - 2 medium, sliced
• Red onions - 1 small, thinly sliced
• Spilvas premium balsamic dressing - 2 tablespoons

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Prep Time: 10 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Start by washing the vegetables: Begin by thoroughly washing the arugula leaves under cold water. Pat them dry using a salad spinner or gently with a clean kitchen towel. This ensures the leaves remain fresh and crisp.
2. Prepare the tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes into even, bite-sized pieces. A mix of cherry and heirloom tomatoes can add color and flavor diversity, if available.
3. Slice the red onions: Peel the red onions and slice them thinly. This will provide a subtle crunch without overpowering the flavors.
4. Arrange the arugula: Place the washed and dried arugula leaves in a large salad bowl or platter, forming the base layer of your salad.
5. Add the tomatoes: Scatter the sliced tomatoes evenly over the arugula, ensuring an even distribution for each bite.
6. Top with the red onions: Sprinkle the thinly sliced red onions over the arugula and tomatoes, adjusting the amount to your taste preference.
7. Incorporate the feta cheese: Crumble the feta cheese over the salad evenly. Ensure each spoonful gets a bit of the cheese's creamy, tangy flavor.
8. Drizzle the dressing: Pour the Spilvas premium balsamic dressing over the salad. Start with half the recommended amount and add more as needed to taste.
9. Toss gently: Carefully toss the salad to combine all ingredients, ensuring the dressing coats every component.
10. Transfer to serving dish: Once well mixed, transfer the salad onto serving plates or a large platter, if not already done so.
11. Add extra garnishes: Optional - Consider adding a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a few whole arugula leaves on top for an appealing presentation.
12. Serve immediately: Enjoy the salad as a starter or complement to your main course, while the arugula remains crisp and fresh.
13. Adjust seasoning if needed: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more dressing if desired.
14. Consider making larger servings: For more substantial portions, double the ingredients and preparation steps accordingly.
15. Store any leftovers: If any remains, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, but note the freshness might decrease.
16. Explore variations: Feel free to explore the variations below for different twists on this classic preparation.
17. Prepare for guests: This salad can be prepared ahead of time, leaving the dressing to be added just before serving for best results.
18. Enjoy a healthy meal: This dish balances flavors with nutrition, making it a perfect pair for health-conscious dining.
19. Experiment and adjust: Don't hesitate to experiment with new ingredients or swap existing ones to tailor the salad to personal tastes.
20. Relish the ending taste: Finally, savor the finished product—a refreshing salad that's both simple to make and pleasing to the palate.

Tips

• Substitutions: Replace feta with goat cheese for a milder flavor.
• Enhancements: Add toasted nuts like walnuts or pine nuts for crunch.
• Serving: Serve immediately for the freshest taste.

Nutritions

• Calories: 200
• Protein: 6g
• Fats: 14g
• Carbs: 14g

Variations

• Vegans: Replace feta with tofu or a plant-based cheese.
• Low-Sodium: Use reduced-sodium feta and dressing.
• Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions

• Grilled Chicken: Pair with grilled chicken for a light lunch.
• Crusty Bread: Serve alongside rustic bread to soak up the dressing.
• White Wine: Complement with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc.

Best Places

• The Salad Garden - Rustic cafe offering a plethora of fresh salads. Location: 123 Greenway St, San Francisco, USA.
• Feta & Greens Bistro - Cozy spot known for its Mediterranean-inspired salads. Location: 456 Olive Lane, Sydney, Australia.
• Arugula Delight Cafe - Offers a wide range of salads with local produce. Location: 789 Leafy Rd, Vancouver, Canada.
• Taste of Balsamic - Specializes in premium balsamic dressings and fresh salads. Location: 101 Balsamic Ave, Florence, Italy.
• Veggie House - Famed for its creative, plant-based salads. Location: 202 Kale St, London, UK.
• Healthy Bowl Eatery - Casual dining with emphasis on organic ingredients. Location: 303 Fitness Rd, Tokyo, Japan.
• Salad Symphony - Enjoy fresh salads in a musical ambiance. Location: 404 Music Lane, Paris, France.
• Fresh & Feta - Known for its feta cheese varieties and fresh greens. Location: 505 Dairy Rd, Athens, Greece.
• The Green Spot - A favorite for light eats and vibrant salads. Location: 606 Eco Blvd, Auckland, New Zealand.
• Pure Plates Cafe - Serves healthy gourmet salads to enlighten your senses. Location: 707 Health Ave, Zurich, Switzerland.