Purslane salad? Sounds fancy, right? But let me tell you, it’s one of the simplest, most refreshing salads you’ll ever come across! This often-overlooked “weed” packs a tangy, lemony punch with a hint of peppery goodness. It’s surprisingly delicious and bursting with nutrients. Whether you’re a seasoned salad enthusiast or just starting out, I’m here to guide you through creating a purslane salad that’s as impressive as it is easy.
Gathering Your Purslane Powerhouse Ingredients
Here’s what you need to whip up this delightful salad (feel free to adjust quantities to your liking):
- Fresh Purslane: Aim for about 4 cups of washed and chopped purslane. Look for vibrant green leaves and tender stems.
- Tomato Power: 1 cup of juicy, ripe tomatoes, diced. I love using cherry tomatoes for their burst of sweetness.
- Cucumber Coolness: 1/2 cup of thinly sliced cucumber.
- Onion Zest: 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion. Red onion adds a nice sharpness, but you can substitute with shallots or scallions for a milder flavor.
- Feta Finish: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, but oh-so-good!). For a vegan alternative, crumbled almond feta works wonders.
Assembling Your Salad Arsenal
You’ll only need a few basic kitchen tools:
- A Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping those fresh veggies.
- A Large Bowl: Tossing and mixing magic happens here!
- Salad Spinner (Optional): If you like your greens extra dry.
Purslane Salad Ingredients
Crafting Your Purslane Masterpiece
- Prep Your Purslane: Give your purslane a good rinse under cold water. Pat it dry or use a salad spinner. Then, chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Veggie Chop: Dice your tomatoes and cucumber, and finely chop the red onion.
- Combine and Conquer: Toss all your prepped veggies into your large bowl.
- The Dressing Decision: You can either use your favorite vinaigrette or keep it simple with a drizzle of good quality olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Season to Perfection: Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- The Finishing Touch (Optional): Sprinkle your crumbled feta cheese (or vegan alternative) for a salty, creamy element.
Purslane Salad Pro Tips
- Taste as You Go: Purslane can have varying levels of tanginess, so taste and adjust your seasonings accordingly.
- Don’t Overdress: A light hand with the dressing goes a long way. You want to enhance the flavors, not drown them.
- Get Creative: Feel free to add other veggies you love! Diced bell peppers, sliced radishes, or even some fresh herbs like dill or mint would be delicious additions.
- Pickled Purslane Power-Up: Want to take your salad game to the next level? Try adding a spoonful of pickled purslane for an extra tangy kick. Learn how to make pickled purslane here!
Purslane Salad Plated
Purslane Salad: Your New Go-to Recipe
And there you have it – a simple, healthy, and incredibly delicious purslane salad! It’s perfect as a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or even a vibrant topping for grilled chicken or fish. So go ahead, embrace the purslane! I have a feeling this will become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Let me know in the comments below if you give this recipe a try – I’d love to hear your thoughts! And be sure to check out more delicious and easy salad recipes on Family Cuisine!
