Description
This Green Salad with Feta and Beets is a vibrant, no-chop salad perfect for a quick and elegant meal or side dish. Combining fresh spring greens, sweet beets, tangy feta, crunchy candied pecans, and naturally sweet dates, all tossed in a flavorful vinaigrette, it requires minimal prep and delivers a sophisticated mix of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Greens
- 1 pound spring greens
Vegetables
- 1 can diced beets (approximately 15 ounces)
Dairy
- 6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
Nuts and Fruits
- 4 ounces candied pecans
- 1 cup chopped dates
Dressing
- Vinaigrette (about 1/2 cup or as desired, your favorite store-bought brand, such as basil and garlic vinaigrette)
Instructions
- Add Greens: Place the spring greens into a large mixing bowl. You can use the entire pound or adjust quantity based on your preference.
- Drain and Add Beets: Open the can of diced beets and drain the liquid thoroughly. Add the beets to the bowl with the greens; use as much as you like for desired sweetness and color.
- Add Feta, Pecans, and Dates: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the greens and beets. Add the candied pecans and chopped dates for sweetness and crunch.
- Dress the Salad: Pour your favorite vinaigrette over the salad. Approximately 1/2 cup is a good starting point; the example used basil and garlic vinaigrette for a flavorful twist.
- Toss to Combine: Gently toss all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the vinaigrette and well-mixed.
- Serve: Your fancy, no-chop salad is ready to enjoy immediately. It’s simple, delicious, and elegant!
Notes
- You can substitute spring greens with mixed baby lettuces or arugula for different flavor profiles.
- If you prefer fresh beets, roast or boil them ahead of time and dice them to add instead of canned beets.
- To keep nuts crunchy, add candied pecans just before serving rather than mixing too far in advance.
- For a vegan version, substitute feta cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or omit entirely.
- Adjust vinaigrette quantity to taste; start conservatively to avoid overdressing.
