Nettle salad is a fresh and nutritious dish that highlights the bright, earthy flavor of young nettle leaves, making it a delightful choice for springtime meals. This vibrant salad can be enjoyed as a light entrée or a refreshing side, perfectly complementing a variety of main dishes.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh young nettle leaves, stems removed
- 2 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula or spinach)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup sliced radishes
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup nuts (such as walnuts or almonds)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Olive oil for dressing
- Lemon juice or balsamic vinegar for dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Blanch the nettle leaves in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat them dry and chop coarsely.
2. In a large bowl, combine the blanched nettles, mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, radishes, red onion, and nuts.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice or balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to create a dressing.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all the ingredients are well coated.
5. If desired, sprinkle the salad with crumbled feta cheese before serving.
Aprile's Kitchen 