Vegetarian Salads with a Trendy Cheesy Twist

Waldorf with Red Leicester and Tomato and Onion with Feta Dressing

© Ankie Renique

Nov 11, 2009

These salads are classic and timeless, adorning many a restaurant menu and dinner tables all over the world.

The waldorf salad got its name from the famous Waldorf Hotel in New York where it originated. Many famous personalities and celebrities have sung its praises over the years but here it is presented in a somewhat different way which will surely please the cheese fans amongst us.

The following ingredients are required for this waldorf salad with Red Leicester cheese to serve four:

Waldorf with Red Leicester

• 175g red cabbage, finely shredded
• 4 sticks celery, sliced
• 150g Red Leicester cheese, cut into 1cm cubes
• 75g red seedless grapes, halved
• 2 red-skinned eating apples, cored and chopped
• 1 romaine lettuce, leaves torn
• Half a tsp of poppy seeds
• The following ingredients are required for the dressing:
• 150g tub natural low-fat yogurt
• 2 tbsp reduced calorie mayonnaise
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice or white wine vinegar
• Salt and black pepper

Method:

1. To make the dressing mix together the yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice or white wine vinegar in a large bowl, combine the cabbage, celery, Red Leicester, grapes and apples, then toss with the dressing.
2. Divide the lettuce leaves between plates and top with the cabbage and cheese mixture. Sprinkle with poppy seeds before serving.

The traditional tomato and onion salad is thought to have originated in the Mediterranean area many centuries ago. To this day it is still prepared in the old-fashioned way with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice and plenty of salt of pepper and is a fantastic accompaniment to grilled meats, pastas or just simply a warm chunk of home-made bread. Tomatoes and onions compliment each other wonderfully and here this old favourite is given a trendy twist by adding feta cheese to the dressing.

The following ingredients are required to make the tomato and onion salad with feta dressing to serve four people:

Tomato and Onion with Feta Dressing

• 4 large slicing tomatoes (or beef tomatoes), thinly sliced
• 1 large or 2 small onions, thinly sliced
• Crushed sea salt and freshly milled black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 4 to 6 black olives, stoned and sliced very thinly (optional)
• The following ingredients are required for the dressing:
• 75g feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 tbsp natural yogurt
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar

Method:

1. Arrange the tomato and onion slices on a large place and season well with crushed sea salt and freshly milled black pepper.
2. In a food processor or using a hand blender, blend the feta cheese, yogurt, olive oil and vinegar until smooth. Drizzle the dressing liberally over the tomato and onion mixture and then sprinkle with basil. Sliced black olives can be added if desired.

Waldorf Salad with Red Leicester

Feta Dressing

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