A Refreshing Twist: Mediterranean Summer Salad

Ingredients

• 4 cups (120g) lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces 4 cups (120g) lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
• 2 large tomatoes, sliced 2 large tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cucumber, sliced 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup (75g) pitted olives 1/2 cup (75g) pitted olives
• 1/2 cup (100g) crumbled feta cheese 1/2 cup (100g) crumbled feta cheese
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons (30ml) red wine vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, minced 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 9g, 5g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
4. 4.
   Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Serve the Amanida Catalana chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lettuce — Make sure to thoroughly wash and dry the lettuce leaves before tearing them into bite-sized pieces to ensure crispness.
• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If they are not in season, you can use cherry tomatoes instead.
• Cucumber — Peel the cucumber if desired, or leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients.
• Red onion — Soak the sliced red onion in cold water for a few minutes to mellow its sharp flavor.
• Feta cheese — Use high-quality feta cheese for its creamy and tangy taste. If unavailable, you can substitute it with goat cheese.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add some fresh herbs like basil or mint to the salad.
• To make it a heartier meal, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad.
• Customize the dressing by adding a pinch of dried oregano or a squeeze of lemon juice.
• If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the sliced onions in cold water for a longer period of time.
• Serve the Amanida Catalana with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious dressing.

Serving advice

Serve the Amanida Catalana as a refreshing appetizer or as a light main course. It pairs well with grilled meats or seafood. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and an extra drizzle of olive oil for an elegant presentation.

Presentation advice

Arrange the colorful ingredients of the Amanida Catalana in a large salad bowl or on individual plates. The vibrant hues of the vegetables and the contrasting colors of the olives and feta cheese will create an eye-catching display. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving to maintain its freshness.