Oh my goodness, ladies and gents, let me tell you about this absolutely divine afternoon salad that’s been making everyone in my household fight over the last bite! Trust me, this isn’t your boring ol’ lettuce and tomato situation – this is what I call my “Queen Bee Mediterranean Delight” salad.
Let’s dive into this refreshing masterpiece that’ll have you feeling fancy without spending hours in the kitchen (because honey, we’ve got better things to do! 💁♀️).
Ingredients:
• 2 cups baby arugula (because we’re fancy like that)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/3 cup kalamata olives
• 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
• Optional: grilled chicken breast (for my protein queens)
For the to-die-for dressing:
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
Now, here’s how we make magic happen:
1. First things first, toast those pine nuts in a dry pan until golden brown. Watch them like a hawk – they can go from perfect to burned faster than your ex moves on! 😉
1. In a large bowl, toss together the arugula, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Pro tip: soak your red onion slices in cold water for 10 minutes first to take away that harsh bite.
1. For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and garlic until it’s smoother than your favorite silk blouse.
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1. Drizzle that heavenly dressing over your veggies and give everything a gentle toss.
1. Now for the grand finale – sprinkle your feta cheese, olives, and those gorgeous toasted pine nuts on top.
1. If you’re adding chicken, slice it up and lay it on top like the crown jewel it is.
The result? A salad that’s fresh, crispy, tangy, and absolutely Instagram-worthy! It’s perfect for lunch dates, afternoon pick-me-ups, or those times when you want to feel like you’ve got your life together (even if your laundry’s been sitting in the dryer for three days, no judgment here! 😘).
Don’t forget to let me know in the comments how this recipe turned out for you! Did you add your own twist? Did it impress your guests? I absolutely love hearing from you all! And remember to hit that follow button on Newsbreak for more delicious recipes that’ll make your kitchen the place to be!
XOXO,
Your favorite recipe girl 👩🍳✨
P.S. If you managed to not eat all the pine nuts while toasting them, you’re stronger than me! 🤭
