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I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
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I remember the first time I tried a strawberry and feta combo. It was at a little cafe tucked away in Rome, during my study abroad. The mix of sweet strawberries, salty feta, and a drizzle of balsamic was… unexpected, to say the least. But after the first bite, I was hooked! Now, years later, I still love experimenting with that classic pairing. That's how this Xylitol Sprinkle Strawberry Feta XOXO salad came to life – a playful twist on a favorite that's both delicious and mindful of your health. Who says healthy can't be indulgent? This recipe skips the added sugar and high calorie additives while still delivering mouthwatering flavor.
What sets this salad apart is the xylitol sprinkle. Xylitol, a natural sugar substitute, provides a clean, crisp sweetness without the blood sugar spike of regular sugar. It's perfect for those watching their sugar intake or just looking for a healthier sweetening option. The rest of the salad is all about fresh, high-quality ingredients. Ripe, juicy strawberries, creamy feta cheese, crunchy toasted almonds, and a simple balsamic vinaigrette come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. It is the perfect light dish for a summer picnic or to get you through those sweltering summer days.
Don't be intimidated by the xylitol sprinkle! It's incredibly easy to make. Simply grind xylitol crystals in a spice grinder until you achieve a fine, powdered consistency. You can also add a pinch of sea salt for an extra layer of flavor. This sprinkle is like a secret weapon. Sprinkling this on top doesn't just add sweetness; it adds a delightful textural contrast that elevates the entire salad. Trust me, once you try it, you'll want to put it on everything! Speaking of mistakes, I once accidentally used erythritol instead of xylitol (they look so similar!). The salad still tasted good, but the sweetness wasn't quite as clean and crisp. Learn from my little blunder! So, are you ready to sprinkle some love into your salad bowl? Let's get started, shall we?
Required Equipments
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Small Bowl
- Whisk
- Spice Grinder or Food Processor
- Dry Skillet
- Knife
Xylitol Sprinkle Strawberry Feta XOXO: Frequently Asked Questions
Xylitol Sprinkle Strawberry Feta XOXO
This Strawberry Feta Salad gets a delightful twist with xylitol sprinkles, offering a guilt-free sweetness. It's a refreshing, flavor-packed dish that balances savory and sweet perfectly.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Wash and Prep the Strawberries: Gently wash 1 pound of fresh strawberries. Remove the stems and slice them into halves or quarters, depending on their size. Set aside.
- Toast the Almonds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast 1/2 cup of sliced almonds for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them; keep a close eye! Let them cool completely.
- Make the Xylitol Sprinkle: Place 1/4 cup of xylitol crystals in a spice grinder or food processor. Grind until you achieve a fine, powdered consistency. Mix in a pinch (about 1/8 teaspoon) of sea salt, if desired. Set aside.
- Prepare the Balsamic Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 4 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of honey (optional, for a touch more sweetness if you aren’t worried about the carbs. You could also sub with a few drops of liquid stevia), salt, and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and 4 ounces of crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss to combine.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the strawberry-feta mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Be careful not to overdress the salad, as it can become soggy.
- Add the Almonds: Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the salad.
- Sprinkle the Magic: Generously sprinkle the xylitol mixture over the salad. Don't be shy!
- Serve Immediately: For the best flavor and texture, serve the salad immediately. If you need to make it ahead of time, wait to add the vinaigrette and xylitol sprinkle until just before serving.
- Optional Garnishes: For an extra touch of freshness, garnish with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of balsamic glaze, if desired. Enjoy every bite!
📝 Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based alternative.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh.
- Add a handful of baby spinach or arugula for extra greens.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 250 kcal
Protein: 8 g
Fat: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 3 g
Calcium: 150 mg