Are you ready to elevate your weeknight meals with a burst of flavor and color? Look no further than our "Meal Plan Monday Full Berries Tomatoes" recipe! This vibrant salad combines the sweetness of mixed berries with the juicy pop of cherry tomatoes, all nestled on a bed of fresh spinach and topped with creamy feta cheese. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also provides a nutritious boost to your day. With just 20 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking, you'll have a delightful meal that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Dive into the recipe below and discover how to create this stunning salad that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
- Mixed berries
- Cherry tomatoes
- Spinach
- Feta cheese
- Balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Wash and pat dry the mixed berries and cherry tomatoes thoroughly using clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- Rinse fresh spinach leaves under cool water and gently dry using a salad spinner or pat with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Slice cherry tomatoes into halves or quarters depending on their size, ensuring uniform cutting for even distribution in the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh spinach leaves as a base layer for the salad.
- Gently add the mixed berries on top of the spinach, creating a colorful and vibrant presentation.
- Sprinkle halved cherry tomatoes over the berries and spinach mixture.
- Crumble feta cheese evenly across the salad, allowing small chunks to distribute throughout the dish.
- Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving, ensuring light and even coverage.
- Toss the salad gently to combine all ingredients without bruising the delicate berries and spinach leaves.
- Serve immediately at room temperature to maintain the freshness and crisp texture of the ingredients.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, select ripe mixed berries and firm cherry tomatoes. Seasonal produce will enhance the taste and presentation of your salad.
- Prep Ahead: If you're short on time, wash and prep your berries and tomatoes in advance. Store them in the fridge to save time on busy weekdays.
- Customize Your Greens: Feel free to mix in other greens like arugula or kale for added texture and flavor. Each green brings its own unique taste to the dish.
- Cheese Alternatives: If feta isn’t your favorite, try goat cheese or even a dairy-free alternative to suit your dietary preferences.
- Dress to Impress: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp. You can also experiment with homemade dressings for a personal touch.
- Add Some Crunch: For extra texture, consider tossing in some nuts or seeds, like walnuts or sunflower seeds, to complement the softness of the berries and cheese.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad can be served as a side dish or topped with grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately to maintain freshness. Combine them just before eating for the best taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg
