FETA, CHERRY AND SHALLOT SUMMER SALAD WITH A BASAMIG GLAZE
I’m a big advocate of fruit in salads. It not only adds a burst of flavour, but it’s high in vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, antioxidants and fibre!
I had a similar salad while at a restaurant recently, and I just had to recreate it. Plus cherries are in season so I felt inspired. We’re all feeling the heat so it’s nice to eat something crunchy and refreshing, so this salad is perfect for a hot summer’s day.
Health Benefits of Cherries and Shallots
Cherries are not only delicious but they’re also packed with vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds with powerful health effects. In particular vitamin C, potassium and fibre. Vitamin C is an antioxidant also known as ascorbic acid. It’s vital for growth, repair of body tissues, maintenance of bones, cartilage, skin and teeth, and supporting a proper functioning immune system. You’ll find vitamin C in all your citrus fruit, bell peppers, kiwis, strawberries and broccoli.
Potassium is the third most abundant mineral in the body. It’s needed for nerve function, muscle contraction, and blood pressure regulation. You’ll find potassium in most of your fruits and vegetables, so if you’re consuming a variety of plants, then you should be reaching an adequate intake.
Shallots are a nice addition to most dishes, and I often use them instead of onions. They have a sweet delicate flavour, whereas onions tend to be a little bit more intense and sharp. I love roasting them to bring out their sweet juicy flavours.
Shallots are part of the allium family. This includes onions, garlic, leeks, spring onion and chives. They’re high in phytochemicals and prebiotic fibres with anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial health benefits. It’s their prebiotic fibres that feed off the good bacteria in your gut, which help to support a healthy microbiome and digestive system.