bohemianwanderer – This vibrant strawberry, tomato, and feta salad brings together sweet fruit, creamy cheese, and zesty dressing for a refreshing summer dish. With contrasting textures and bold flavors, it’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings or as a colorful side for grilled meats. The salad’s Mediterranean-inspired elements—sumac, pomegranate molasses, and roasted pistachios—elevate it from simple to stunning. You can prepare this recipe in under an hour, and it serves four as a side dish.
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Start by marinating the feta cheese. Toss 150 grams of cubed feta with one tablespoon olive oil. One teaspoon sumac, half a teaspoon lemon zest, and a pinch of chili flakes. Add a grind of black pepper and set the mixture aside for at least 15 minutes, or up to two hours in the fridge. This step allows the cheese to absorb bold, tangy flavors that contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the fruit.
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine 300 grams of halved cherry tomatoes. And 200 grams of hulled and halved strawberries. Add one thinly sliced small shallot, then drizzle with two tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil. Half a tablespoon lemon juice, one teaspoon apple cider vinegar, and one tablespoon pomegranate molasses. Season the mixture with three-quarters of a teaspoon of salt and a generous grind of black pepper. Toss gently to keep the fruit intact.
Plating and Garnishing: Bringing Color and Texture to the Table
Once your components are prepped and seasoned, it’s time to assemble. Arrange 90 grams of mixed salad leaves on a large serving platter as the base. Spoon the tomato and strawberry mixture evenly over the greens, allowing some of the dressing to coat the leaves. Next, scatter the marinated feta across the salad, ensuring it’s well-distributed for balance in every bite.
To add crunch and another flavor dimension, sprinkle 30 grams of roughly chopped roasted pistachios on top. Finish the salad with fresh herbs—five grams of mint leaves and three grams of basil—torn gently to release their fragrance without bruising. These fresh greens provide aromatic brightness that pairs perfectly with the tangy dressing and creamy feta.
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This salad is best served immediately after assembly to preserve the crispness of the leaves and the freshness of the herbs. However, you can prep most components in advance, keeping the marinated feta and fruit mixture separate until ready to serve. Ideal for picnics, outdoor lunches, or as a show-stopping starter. This recipe offers an easy yet impressive way to enjoy seasonal produce.
For added protein or a main-course variation, consider pairing with grilled chicken, seared halloumi, or crusty bread. Whether served at a dinner party or casual lunch. This dish highlights summer’s best flavors while staying light, nutritious, and visually stunning.
