Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with the most incredible salad you've ever experienced! This Pistachio Salad by Gwen Borst is not just another boring green dish - it's a culinary masterpiece that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary flavor explosion. Imagine crisp lettuce, crunchy pistachios, and tangy feta cheese dancing together in a vibrant red wine vinaigrette that will make your mouth water from the first bite. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply elevate your everyday meal, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head of lettuce, torn
- 1 cup shelled pistachios
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the head of lettuce under cold running water, ensuring all dirt and debris are removed.
- Pat the lettuce dry using clean paper towels or a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in a large serving bowl.
- Thinly slice the red onion using a sharp knife, creating delicate, translucent rings.
- Shell the pistachios if they are not already prepared, removing the outer hard shell to reveal the green nuts.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper to create a smooth vinaigrette dressing.
- Crumble the feta cheese into small, irregular pieces using your fingers or a fork.
- Add the sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and shelled pistachios to the torn lettuce.
- Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad, ensuring even distribution.
- Gently toss the salad to combine all ingredients and coat with dressing.
- Let the salad sit for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve immediately at room temperature as a fresh and vibrant side dish.
Tips
- Choose fresh, crisp lettuce and wash it thoroughly to ensure maximum flavor and cleanliness.
- Toast the pistachios lightly before adding them to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and aged red wine vinegar for the most robust dressing.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes after dressing to allow the flavors to meld together.
- For best results, prepare the ingredients just before serving to maintain optimal texture.
- Feel free to experiment by adding grilled chicken or shrimp to turn this side dish into a complete meal.
- Chill your serving bowl beforehand to keep the salad crisp and refreshing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 326kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg