Turkish Arugula and Cherry Delight
Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Istanbul, this refreshing salad combines the peppery taste of fresh arugula with the sweet-tart flavor of cherries. This version swaps fresh cherries for sweet dried ones, offering flexibility with seasonal fruit options like peaches or pears. Turkish feta cheese provides a creamy richness, complementing the toasted almonds for a delightful crunch. This salad is a celebration of textures and tastes that can be enjoyed any time of the year.
4
Servings
63
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
arugula
1 bunch (washed and drained, about 3-4 cups)
sweet cherries
handful (pitted and sliced)
red or white onion
1 small (cut into rings)
Turkish feta cheese
as desired (crumbled)
slivered almonds
4-5 (lightly toasted)
extra virgin olive oil
as needed (for drizzling)
lemon juice
as needed (freshly squeezed)
salt
pinch (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by preparing the arugula: wash thoroughly under cold water and drain well. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
2
2. Season the arugula leaves lightly by adding a pinch of salt and a drizzle of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss gently to combine the flavors.
3
3. Arrange the seasoned arugula on a large serving platter, spreading it out evenly.
4
4. Distribute the sliced cherries and onion rings atop the bed of arugula for a balanced presentation.
5
5. Sprinkle the crumbled Turkish feta cheese evenly over the salad for added creaminess.
6
6. Next, scatter the lightly toasted slivered almonds over the salad to introduce a nutty texture.
7
7. Finish by drizzling extra virgin olive oil over all the ingredients to bring the flavors together.
8
8. Serve the salad immediately as a refreshing starter or a delightful side dish.
Nutrition Information
4.5g
Fat
4.25g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Turkish Arugula and Cherry Delight?
It is a refreshing salad inspired by Istanbul that combines peppery arugula with sweet-tart cherries, Turkish feta, and toasted almonds.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this salad is tagged as a vegetarian dish.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 63 calories.
What type of cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for Turkish feta cheese for a creamy richness.
Can I use dried cherries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, the recipe allows for swapping fresh cherries for sweet dried ones for flexibility.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include arugula, sweet cherries, red or white onion, Turkish feta, slivered almonds, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
How much fat is in this salad?
There is 4.5g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 4.25g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this salad contain?
Each serving provides 1.5g of protein.
Is there fiber in this recipe?
Yes, there is 1g of fiber per serving.
What other fruits can I use as substitutes?
You can use other seasonal fruit options like peaches or pears.
How should the arugula be prepared?
The arugula should be washed thoroughly, drained, and seasoned with salt and lemon juice.
What kind of onion is best for this salad?
You can use either a small red or white onion cut into rings.
How do I prepare the almonds?
The slivered almonds should be lightly toasted to introduce a nutty texture.
What is the dressing for this salad?
The dressing consists of freshly squeezed lemon juice and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe with simple preparation steps.
How should I season the arugula leaves?
Season the leaves lightly with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of fresh lemon juice before arranging them.
Can I serve this as a side dish?
Yes, it can be served as a delightful side dish or a refreshing starter.
What is the origin of this recipe's inspiration?
The recipe is inspired by the vibrant flavors found in Istanbul.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients required for this salad.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to wash and drain the arugula thoroughly.
Should the salad be served immediately?
Yes, it is recommended to serve the salad immediately after preparation for the best flavor and texture.
How do I arrange the salad for presentation?
Spread the arugula on a platter and distribute the cherries and onion rings on top, followed by feta and almonds.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe.
Can I use regular feta if Turkish feta is unavailable?
While Turkish feta is specified for its unique richness, you can use regular feta as a substitute.
Is there any sugar added to this recipe?
No added sugar is listed in the ingredients; the sweetness comes from the cherries.
What is the texture of the salad?
The salad offers a variety of textures including peppery leaves, creamy cheese, and crunchy almonds.
How much arugula do I need?
You need 1 bunch of arugula, which is approximately 3 to 4 cups.
What is the final step of the recipe?
The final step is to serve the salad immediately as a starter or side dish.