| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 215 | 16g | 6g | 12g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 3g | 8g | 0.6g |
There are few dishes as delightfully vibrant and refreshing as the Orach and Feta Salad; a tantalizing marriage of health and taste that originates right from my kitchen amid the bustling heart of New York and echoes the city’s diverse culinary ethos. My love for this salad spins not just from its intriguing mix of flavors, but also the memories it draws upon every time I toss it together.
The Inspiration Behind The Dish
As a native New Yorker, I find myself constantly inspired by the city’s multifaceted food scene where every corner offers a new experience. The Orach and Feta Salad pays homage to this melting pot of culinary heritage, with its rich flavors reflecting the city’s vibrant character.
A Theater of Flavors
Being an actor by profession, I tend to see my food through the lens of drama – a play of flavors, if you will. In this salad, the robustness of Orach, the rich creaminess of Feta, the juicy sweetness of ripe cherry tomatoes, the tantalizing tang of fresh lemon juice, all create a medley that sings to your taste buds. Making this salad is like directing a great piece of theater, where each ingredient plays a pivotal role in the grand show.
Health Benefits and Culinary Pairings
But this salad is not just a feast for the taste buds, it is packed with numerous health benefits. Orach, an often underappreciated leafy green, is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber that contribute to an overall healthy diet.
The Orach and Feta Salad could be a delicious counterpart to a juicy grilled chicken or can simply be enjoyed in its own right as a light and fresh lunch option. Certainly, this salad can fit effortlessly into any meal setup and instantly uplift it with its vibrant personality.
A dash of salt and generously ground black pepper followed by a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil complete the act, adding a finishing touch that gracefully ties all the elements together. Bon appétit!
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups of fresh Orach
- 1.5 cups of ripe cherry tomatoes
- 1.5 cups of cubed feta cheese
- 1/2 cup of black olives, pitted and halved
- 1 medium red onion, finely sliced
- 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Begin by thoroughly washing the 6 cups of fresh Orach. Once cleaned, place the leaves in a large serving bowl.
Step Two
Add 1.5 cups of ripe cherry tomatoes to the bowl. It’s up to you whether you want to halve the tomatoes or leave them whole.
Step Three
Take the 1.5 cups of cubed feta cheese and scatter them evenly over the Orach and tomatoes.
Step Four
Add the 1/2 cup of black olives, making sure they are pitted and halved, and the finely sliced medium red onion. It’s important to slice the onion thinly as this helps to distribute its flavor more evenly.
Step Five
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil to make the salad dressing.
Step Six
Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice dressing over the salad ingredients in the serving bowl. Toss well to coat everything in the dressing.
Step Seven
Chop up your fresh basil, you’ll need 1/4 cup, and sprinkle it over the salad. This will give your salad a delightful, fresh aroma and a beautiful touch of green.
Step Eight
Finally, season your salad with salt and black pepper to your liking. Toss the salad once more to distribute the seasoning and serve immediately. Enjoy your Orach and Feta Salad!
