Mediterranean Lamb and Rocket Salad with Aged Balsamic Dressing
Elevate your salad experience with this Mediterranean-inspired Lamb and Rocket Salad, featuring tender roasted lamb, peppery arugula, and the creamy tang of feta cheese, all brought together by the intense flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and luscious green olives. The secret to this dish lies in the quality of the ingredients—use premium extra virgin olive oil and genuine aged balsamic vinegar to enhance every bite. Perfect as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish, this salad is bound to impress with its vibrant colors and rich tastes.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
arugula
4 bunches (washed and dried)
roasted lamb
140 g (sliced into strips)
feta cheese
100 g (cut into small cubes)
green olives
12 (pitted)
sun-dried tomatoes
12 (whole or chopped)
extra virgin olive oil
50 ml (for dressing)
balsamic vinegar
20 ml (for dressing)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly washing the arugula and drying it using a salad spinner or patting it gently with paper towels. Place the dry arugula in a large salad bowl to form the base of your dish.
2
Next, slice the roasted lamb into thin, bite-sized strips to make it easy to mix and enjoy. Add the lamb to the bowl with the arugula.
3
Cut the feta cheese into small cubes, ensuring they are manageable for salad portions. Toss the feta into the bowl, adding a creamy texture to the salad.
4
De-stone the green olives and add them to the bowl, along with the sun-dried tomatoes. You can chop the tomatoes if you prefer smaller pieces, but whole ones work beautifully as well.
5
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Drizzle this dressing over the salad, then add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6
Using tongs, gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the dressing. Ensure that the lamb and feta pieces are mixed well into the salad.
7
Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of extra feta or a few whole olives for presentation if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein in this Mediterranean salad?
The primary protein is 140 grams of roasted lamb, sliced into thin, bite-sized strips.
What kind of greens are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses four bunches of arugula, also known as rocket, which provides a peppery base.
How should I prepare the arugula before assembly?
The arugula should be thoroughly washed and dried using a salad spinner or patted dry with paper towels to ensure the dressing adheres properly.
What type of cheese is included in the salad?
The recipe features 100 grams of feta cheese, which should be cut into small, manageable cubes.
How many olives are required for this recipe?
You will need 12 green olives, which should be de-stoned or pitted.
Can I chop the sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, you can use 12 sun-dried tomatoes either whole or chopped into smaller pieces depending on your preference.
What ingredients make up the balsamic dressing?
The dressing consists of 50 ml of extra virgin olive oil and 20 ml of aged balsamic vinegar.
Why is aged balsamic vinegar recommended?
Aged balsamic vinegar is recommended for its intense flavor and luscious texture, which enhances the overall taste of the salad.
How should the lamb be prepared for the salad?
The lamb should be roasted and then sliced into thin strips to make it easy to mix with the other ingredients.
What is the best way to mix the salad?
Using tongs, gently toss all the ingredients together until everything, especially the lamb and feta, is evenly coated in the dressing.
Should the dressing be prepared separately?
Yes, it is best to whisk the olive oil and balsamic vinegar together in a separate small bowl before drizzling it over the salad.
Is this salad suitable for a light lunch?
Absolutely, it is designed as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish that is both healthy and vibrant.
What seasonings are suggested?
The recipe suggests adding salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste after drizzling the dressing.
How should the salad be served?
The salad should be served immediately after tossing to ensure the arugula stays crisp.
Can I add a garnish for presentation?
Yes, you can garnish the finished dish with a sprinkle of extra feta or a few whole olives.
What is the secret to this recipe's flavor?
The secret lies in using high-quality ingredients, specifically premium extra virgin olive oil and genuine aged balsamic vinegar.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients: arugula, roasted lamb, feta cheese, green olives, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
What texture does the feta cheese add?
The feta cheese adds a creamy tang that balances the peppery flavor of the rocket and the richness of the lamb.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, Mediterranean-inspired meal focusing on fresh greens and lean roasted protein.
Can I use a different oil for the dressing?
While extra virgin olive oil is recommended for flavor, the recipe specifically highlights it as a key quality ingredient.
What is the role of the green olives?
The green olives provide a briny, salty bite that complements the sun-dried tomatoes and lamb.
How do I ensure the arugula doesn't get soggy?
Ensure the arugula is completely dry after washing and wait to add the dressing until just before serving.
What flavor profile can I expect from the rocket?
Arugula, or rocket, provides a distinct peppery and slightly nutty flavor profile to the salad base.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
While you can prep ingredients ahead of time, it is recommended to toss it with dressing only when ready to eat to prevent wilting.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include salad, lamb, arugula, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, mediterranean, healthy, and light meal.
Can I use cold roasted lamb?
Yes, cold or room-temperature roasted lamb works perfectly in this salad format.
What is the significance of New Zealand in the tags?
The recipe is tagged with 'new zealand', likely indicating the source or the popular use of high-quality lamb from that region.
Are there any specific tools needed?
A salad spinner is recommended for the arugula and tongs are suggested for tossing the ingredients gently.
How much balsamic vinegar is used?
The recipe requires 20 ml of balsamic vinegar for the dressing.
Is there any added sugar in the dressing?
No, the dressing relies on the natural sweetness of aged balsamic vinegar and the richness of olive oil.