Strawberry and Mandarin Salad

Ingredients and Weight:

• 200g fresh strawberries, hulled
• 2 Mandarins, segmented
• 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

• Total preparation time: 30 minutes (including shopping time for ingredients)
• Preparation time without shopping: 20 minutes

Cooking Time:

• No cooking required, just preparation.

Difficulty Level:

[Level 2] - Moderate. This dish involves simple cutting and mixing of ingredients. No special cooking skills required.

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Prepare the strawberries by hulling them and cutting them into halves if they are large.
2. Segment the Mandarins into individual pieces, removing any seeds.
3. In a large bowl, combine the strawberries and Mandarins.
4. Add the spinach leaves, feta cheese, and mix gently to combine.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are coated.
7. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information: (Please note that these are estimated values and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.)

• Calories: Approx. 350 calories per serving (assuming a serving size of about 1 cup of salad)
• Carbohydrates: Strawberries and honey provide natural sugars.
• Protein: From feta cheese and Mandarins.
• Fat: From olive oil and feta cheese.
• Fiber: Provided by the spinach leaves and fruits.

Dish Characteristics:

• Fresh and fruity taste with a slight tang from the balsamic vinegar and honey.
• The combination of strawberries and Mandarins creates a unique flavor profile that is appealing to Americans.
• The salad is a great combination of colors and flavors, making it visually appealing as well as tasty.

User Comments:

1. "This salad was refreshing and full of flavor! The combination of strawberries and Mandarins was unique and delicious."
2. "I loved the addition of feta cheese in this salad, it added a nice creaminess to the dish."
3. "This salad was easy to make and was a great side dish for a summer barbecue."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh ingredients for best results. If buying from supermarkets, ensure the fruits are ripe and in season for maximum flavor.
• Adjust the dressing according to your taste preferences, adding more or less of the vinegar or honey to suit your liking.