Daina Salad
A vibrant and flavorful salad featuring crisp lettuce, sharp purple onions, creamy cheese, and a tangy tarragon vinegar dressing, perfect for light lunches or side dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse lettuce, tear into bite-size pieces, and spin in a salad spinner to dry.
- Dice purple onion.
- Toss together lettuce, onion, cheese, tarragon vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, consider adding diced cucumbers or cherry tomatoes for extra freshness. If you want a creamier texture, substitute the cheese with feta or goat cheese. Experiment with different types of vinegar, like balsamic, for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a bit of sweetness, a drizzle of honey can complement the tang of the tarragon vinegar beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This Daina Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a great light meal. It can also serve as a refreshing side dish to accompany Mediterranean recipes like Bertha's Spinach Pie or Roasted Rosemary New Potatoes & Artichokes. For a heartier option, serve it alongside a warm grain dish such as orzo.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the lettuce crisp, consider storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving. If the salad has wilted, you can refresh it by briefly soaking the greens in cold water, then draining them well before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Daina Salad contains roughly 14 calories, with 0g protein, 0g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 501mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese in this salad?
Yes, you can substitute any cheese you prefer. Feta or goat cheese adds a tangy flavor, while mozzarella provides a milder taste. Just keep in mind that the texture and richness will change slightly with different cheeses.
What can I add to make this salad more filling?
To make the salad more filling, consider adding protein such as grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu. You could also mix in some cooked quinoa or farro for added texture and nutrition.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad can be prepared ahead of time, but it's best to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat to prevent the lettuce from wilting. Store the components in airtight containers in the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).