Craving a vibrant and flavorful side dish? This warm red cabbage and spinach recipe, featuring garlic herb butter, will elevate any meal with its unexpected depth of flavor and satisfying textures.
Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that's both easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
Why This Recipe Works
I think you'll agree this recipe works because it brings together some surprisingly awesome flavors! Sweet watermelon? Salty feta? Seriously? Yeah, trust me on this.
We're not just throwing stuff together, but crafting an experience. Think of it! The watermelon's subtle sweetness gets a kick from the salty feta—it's like a party in your mouth! Add a little red onion for zing–not too much–and fresh mint to keep it all bright and lively. Adding feta cheese brings a salty and creamy element to the salad, complementing the other flavors beautifully.
This isn't your same old salad. It's a simple, quick, and elegant addition to your BBQ that everyone will love!
I know it sounds weird but you got to trust me, you're in for a treat you'll never forget.
Ingredient Spotlight
Now that I've got your mouth watering with the symphony of flavors that awaits you, let's chat about what makes this salad sing: its amazing ingredients!
First, you'll need about 1 kg—that's 2 lbs—of watermelon. Make sure it's sweet and juicy! Then grab one small, vibrantly red Spanish onion. We're gonna need 3 tbsp of red wine vinegar to add some zing. Don't forget the salt and pepper!
Next, have 5 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil ready to go. This is all about flavor, after all. And since we're going for freshness, 1 1/2 tbs of roughly chopped fresh mint is essential.
Lastly, we need 75 g—or 3 oz—of Danish feta cheese. Crumble it up into medium-sized pieces; we're not looking for powder here. Oh, and a couple of whole mint sprigs for garnish, because we're fancy like that. Got it? The sweetness of the red cabbage contrasts nicely with a glaze, reminiscent of balsamic glazed beetroots.
Step-by-Step Guide
Let's plunge into the super-easy steps to whip up this Watermelon Feta Salad that everyone's gonna rave about!
First, I cut up the watermelon—about 2 pounds of it—into bite-sized pieces, making sure to ditch those pesky seeds. Then, I grab a small red onion and slice it super thin. Seriously, the thinner, the better!
Next up, I whisk together 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar with some salt and pepper. Don't skimp on the whisking—I want that salt to dissolve!
Now, I slowly drizzle in 5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. And I toss in 1 1/2 tablespoons of freshly chopped mint. I give it a taste and adjust as needed—a little extra zing never hurt anyone, right?
I gently mix the watermelon, onion, and 3 ounces of crumbled feta cheese in a big bowl. Finally, I pour that amazing dressing over everything and gently toss it to coat.
Serving Suggestions
With our Watermelon Feta Salad all dressed up and ready to go, it's time to think about how to serve this yummy creation! I usually serve it immediately, but chilling it for about 30 minutes – not too long, or the watermelon gets sad – works too.
This salad's a star on its own, but it's also a fantastic partner. Think grilled chicken or fish! I love having it with a simple vinaigrette-dressed salad on the side – a double salad whammy! It's also super cute in small bowls as a flavorful appetizer!
For a fun twist, I've even put it on toast with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Don't knock it 'til you try it! Seriously, get creative, have fun, and enjoy! I know you'll find the perfect way.
Short Recipe Version
Warm Red Cabbage Spinach Garlic Herb Butter
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 small red cabbage, shredded
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp mixed fresh herbs, chopped (e.g., thyme, rosemary, parsley)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add red cabbage and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Add herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition Information (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 11g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 10g