Food / 21.08.2018

Pickled cherry and feta summer salad

By Healthy Magazine
British cherry season is upon us, so make the most of it

Pickled cherry and feta summer saladThey’re packed with vitamin C, rich in antioxidants and one of the juiciest fruits out there: cherries. ‘Snacking on punnet of cherries this summer is a great and easy way to boost our fruit intake,’ says nutritionist Anita Bean. ‘Cherries are a great healthy snack that offer an abundant source of vitamins, minerals and phyto (plant) nutrients which have been linked to a diverse range of health benefits.’

The British cherry season runs until September, so be sure to pick up a punnet or two while you can. And if you can resist guzzling down the whole lot, why not give this fresh summer salad a try?

Pickled cherry and feta summer salad
Serves 4 as a starter

For the pickled cherries:
50ml red wine vinegar
1 tbsp sea salt
150ml water
100g caster sugar
200g cherries, halved and stones removed

For the salad:
1 medium courgette, stalk removed
1/2 firm cantaloupe melon, skin and seeds removed
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
pinch of sea salt
small handful mint leaves
100g feta

1 Place the red wine vinegar, salt, water and sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes, stirring to make sure all the salt and sugar has dissolved. Take off the heat, pour into a bowl or container and leave to cool for 5 minutes. Add the cherries and leave to cool to room temperature. (If making ahead of time, place in the fridge to chill).

2 Use a speed peeler or mandolin to make courgette ribbons the length of the courgette. Use a knife or mandolin to thinly slice the melon into long strips. Toss the melon in a bowl with the olive oil and a pinch of salt.  Spread on a large platter. Sprinkle on the mint, crumble on the feta and scatter over the cherries. Drizzle a couple of tablespoons of the pickling liquid over the top, and enjoy.

Tips:

  • Feta can be replaced with a creamy burrata or mozzarella.
  • The pickled cherries make a great accompaniment to a cheese board.
  • The cherries can be kept in the fridge for a few days. The flavour will intensify.

Read more: Three showstopper summer salads

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Pickled cherry and feta summer salad
Article Name
Pickled cherry and feta summer salad
Description
British cherry season is upon us, so it's the perfect time to whip up this fresh summer salad.
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Publisher Name
Healthy Magazine
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