A Delicious and Easy-to-Make Balsamic Tomato and Feta Salad Recipe, Perfect for Air Frying
Are you in search of a refreshing, flavorsome salad that is both quick to prepare and unique? Look no further than this delectable Balsamic Tomato and Feta Salad recipe, which is not only easy to make but also perfect for air frying, giving it a delightful twist that your taste buds will appreciate. Let's dive into the details of this recipe that promises to be a showstopper at any meal.
Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes or plum tomatoes – 250g
- Feta cheese – 100g
- Red onion – 1 small, finely sliced
- Fresh basil leaves – A handful
- Balsamic vinegar – 2 tablespoons
- Extra virgin olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper – To taste
- Optional: A sprinkle of chilli flakes for a bit of heat
Preparation Steps
- Start by washing the tomatoes thoroughly. Slice them in half and set them aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and finely sliced red onion.
- Shred the basil leaves and add them to the bowl.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinegar and olive oil over the mixture.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. If you fancy a bit of spice, add a pinch of chilli flakes.
- Gently toss everything together to ensure that all the ingredients are well mixed.
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
- Carefully transfer the salad into the air fryer basket. Air fry for about 5-7 minutes, just enough for the cheese to slightly soften and the ingredients to meld together. Keep a close eye to prevent overcooking.
- Remove the salad from the air fryer and let it cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
Why Air Fry?
Air frying this salad gives it a unique texture; it gently melts the feta cheese and allows the tomatoes to slightly blister, enhancing their natural sweetness. This method ensures that your salad remains light, healthy, and full of flavour without adding unnecessary fat, making it an ideal dish for any health-conscious cook. Using fresh, quality ingredients will also make a noticeable difference to the taste, so choose the best tomatoes and feta you can find.
Serving Suggestions
This Balsamic Tomato and Feta Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways. It makes for a wonderful stand-alone dish or a vibrant side dish to accompany grilled chicken, fish, or lamb. Add a few toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for extra crunch and nutrition, or pair it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices at the bottom of your plate.
Storing and Making Ahead
If you’re making this salad in advance, store it in the fridge to let the flavours develop. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh or the same day as making. Should you have leftovers (which is rare!), keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Just remember, the air-fried salad may lose some of its texture when reheated due to the feta cheese, so enjoying it cold may also be an option.
Conclusion
This easy-to-make Balsamic Tomato and Feta Salad is perfect for those British summer days when you want something fresh but with a bit of warmth from your handy air fryer. Its combination of simple yet bold flavours makes it a go-to recipe for both novice cooks and experienced chefs. Give it a try and delight in the elegant simplicity that a carefully crafted salad can bring to your dining table.