Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 cups of fresh shepherd's purse leaves
- 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup of dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- None
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the shepherd's purse leaves and pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shepherd's purse leaves, crumbled feta cheese, chopped red onion, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries.
3. In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
5. Serve immediately.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: None
Temperature:
- Serve at room temperature.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 260
- Fat: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- If shepherd's purse is not available, you can substitute with baby spinach or arugula.
- You can substitute the feta cheese with goat cheese or blue cheese.
- You can substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds.
- You can substitute the dried cranberries with raisins or chopped dried apricots.
Variations:
- Add sliced grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Add sliced apples or pears for a sweet and crunchy addition.
- Add sliced avocado for a creamy texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to rinse the shepherd's purse leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
- You can make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to enhance their flavor.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
- This salad is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the salad in a large salad bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with additional chopped walnuts and dried cranberries.
Garnishes:
- Chopped walnuts and dried cranberries.
Pairings:
- This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a bowl of soup.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the salad is too dry, add more dressing.
- If the salad is too salty, reduce the amount of feta cheese.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all equipment before preparing the salad.
- Store any leftover salad in the fridge and discard after 2 days.
Food history:
- Shepherd's purse is a wild edible plant that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine.
Flavor profiles:
- This salad is a combination of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner.
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Region: Greek