Ingredients:
- Tea Rubs: 1 tablespoon (a blend of black tea leaves, dried oregano, dried basil, and a pinch of sugar)
- Romaine lettuce: 1 head, chopped
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
- Cucumber: 1, sliced
- Red onion: 1/2, thinly sliced
- Olives: 1/2 cup, pitted and sliced
- Feta cheese: 1 cup, crumbled
- Red wine vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Extra virgin olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tea Rubs: In a small bowl, mix the black tea leaves, dried oregano, dried basil, and sugar. Crush the tea leaves lightly with a mortar and pestle or use a spice grinder to create a fine blend.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, thinly sliced red onion, and olives.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt, black pepper, and tea rubs until well combined.
- Add Feta and Dressing: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor and texture. You can also refrigerate the salad for a refreshing cold salad.
Tips:
- The tea rubs add a unique aroma and depth of flavor to the salad, complementing the traditional Italian flavors.
- For a more robust flavor, consider adding grilled vegetables or a mix of your favorite Italian cheeses.
- This Italian Salad with Tea Rubs recipe is perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or a potluck contribution. The addition of tea rubs creates a memorable and aromatic twist on a classic salad.