Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 prickly pears, peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Grill pan or outdoor grill
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush prickly pear slices with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Grill prickly pear slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until grill marks appear.
4. In a large bowl, mix together mixed greens, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced almonds.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and olive oil to make the dressing.
6. Add grilled prickly pear slices to the salad and drizzle with the dressing.
7. Toss salad until evenly coated with the dressing.
8. Serve immediately.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 6-8 minutes
Temperature:
- Grill pan or outdoor grill should be preheated to medium-high heat.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 2-4 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Goat cheese or blue cheese can be substituted for feta cheese.
- Walnuts or pecans can be substituted for sliced almonds.
- Red wine vinegar can be substituted for balsamic vinegar.
Variations:
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
- Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess.
- Use different types of greens, such as arugula or spinach.
Tips and tricks:
- Use tongs to flip prickly pear slices on the grill to avoid getting pricked by the thorns.
- Make sure to remove all the thorns from the prickly pear before slicing.
- Toast the sliced almonds in a dry pan for extra flavor.
Storage instructions:
- This salad is best served immediately and does not store well.
Reheating instructions:
- This salad is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the salad on a large platter and arrange the grilled prickly pear slices on top.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle extra crumbled feta cheese and sliced almonds on top of the salad.
Pairings:
- This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or shrimp.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve with a side of grilled vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the prickly pear slices are too tough, try grilling them for a few extra minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to remove all the thorns from the prickly pear before slicing.
Food history:
- Prickly pears are native to Mexico and have been used in traditional Mexican cuisine for centuries.
Flavor profiles:
- This salad has a sweet and tangy flavor from the grilled prickly pear and balsamic dressing, balanced by the salty feta cheese and crunchy almonds.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve this salad as a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.
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