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Best Crunchy Feta Salad Recipe

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4.4 from 7 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Best Crunchy Feta Salad is a vibrant and textured mix of toasted nuts, fresh vegetables, sweet raisins, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish, it combines the crunchiness of toasted walnuts and almonds with the sweetness of raisins and the freshness of cucumbers, carrots, beets, and cherry tomatoes, finished with a flavorful feta topping.

Ingredients

Nuts and Fruit

  • 1/2 cup walnuts (toasted and chopped)
  • 1/3 cup almonds (or other nuts/seeds, chopped)
  • 1/4 cup raisins (or sultanas, chopped)

Vegetables

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved or quartered)
  • 4 small to medium cooked beets (canned or roasted, cut into cubes)
  • 1 medium carrot (cut into cubes)
  • 2 small cucumbers (cut into cubes)
  • 1 red capsicum/bell pepper (cut into cubes)
  • 1/4 onion (red or white, finely diced)

Dressing and Garnish

  • 1/2 to 2/3 cup feta (smooth, crumbled, about 1/2 block)
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (aged or caramelised)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 small garlic clove, minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Bake walnuts: Preheat the oven to 180 C / 355 F. Lay a piece of parchment paper on a flat baking tray and spread the walnuts evenly. Bake on the middle shelf for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check near the 10-minute mark to prevent burning. The walnuts should be lightly browned and emit a nutty, toasted aroma. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
  2. Prepare vegetables: While the walnuts are toasting, chop all vegetables—cherry tomatoes, cooked beets, carrot, cucumbers, capsicum, and onion—into small, uniform cubes for even texture and presentation.
  3. Chop fruit and nuts: Once cooled, chop the toasted walnuts along with the almonds and raisins to desired sizes, ensuring even distribution throughout the salad.
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder (or minced garlic), salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified. Set aside.
  5. Combine: In a large mixing bowl, combine all chopped vegetables, nuts, and raisins. Pour over the prepared dressing and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Finally, top the salad with crumbled feta cheese before serving.

Notes

  • Use canned beets for convenience or roast fresh beets for deeper flavor.
  • Feel free to substitute almonds with other nuts or seeds depending on preference or dietary needs.
  • Adjust salt and pepper according to taste.
  • Serve immediately for best freshness and crunch, or chill for 15-20 minutes before serving.
  • The salad can be prepared ahead but it’s best to add feta just before serving to keep its texture intact.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/best-crunchy-feta-salad-recipe/