We love diving into the world of Manouri, a creamy Greek cheese that’s as versatile as it’s delicious. Made from whey left over from feta production, it offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor that shines in both savory and sweet dishes. It’s no wonder this hidden gem from the Mediterranean has won our hearts for its fresh, light texture.
Ingredients
As we delve deeper into the versatility of Manouri cheese, a creamy Greek delight from whey, we’re excited to share the essential ingredients for a simple Manouri salad that highlights its mild sweetness and fresh texture. We’ll list them in the order they’re typically prepared, with specific prep notes for accuracy.
For the Salad Base
- 200 grams of Manouri cheese, crumbled into bite-sized pieces to enhance its light, airy consistency.
- 4 medium tomatoes, sliced thinly for a juicy, vibrant base that complements the cheese’s subtle flavor.
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced to add a crisp, tangy contrast without overpowering the dish.
For the Dressing and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, used to drizzle and bind the ingredients for a silky finish.
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn just before mixing to release their aromatic oils and elevate the Mediterranean essence.
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt, added to taste for balancing the cheese’s natural mildness.
- ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, incorporated for a gentle kick that brings out the sweetness in Manouri.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh Manouri cheese and vibrant vegetables, we guide you through creating this simple, refreshing salad that highlights the cheese’s mild sweetness and creamy texture.
Preparation
Before assembling our Manouri salad, we prepare the ingredients to ensure every element shines with fresh flavors. Start by crumbling 200 grams of Manouri cheese into bite-sized pieces using your fingers for a rustic touch that enhances its soft, velvety feel. Next, slice 4 medium tomatoes into thin rounds, aiming for even pieces that release their juicy essence. Thinly slice 1 red onion into delicate rings to add a sharp, crisp contrast. Finally, chop a handful of fresh basil leaves—about 10 leaves—into fine strips, releasing their aromatic, herbaceous scent that pairs perfectly with the cheese’s subtle tang.
Cooking
Although our Manouri salad requires minimal cooking, we focus on blending flavors to elevate the dish. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, a pinch of sea salt, and a dash of black pepper vigorously until the mixture emulsifies into a glossy dressing that captures the essence of Mediterranean freshness. If desired, let this dressing sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, though no heat is needed—keeping everything raw preserves the light, natural taste of the ingredients.
Assembling
With preparations complete, we assemble our salad to create a visually appealing and tasty masterpiece. On a large platter, layer the sliced tomatoes and red onion rings as a colorful base, then scatter the crumbled Manouri cheese evenly on top for a creamy highlight. Drizzle the olive oil dressing over the arrangement, ensuring each piece glistens. Gently toss the salad with tongs to coat everything lightly, allowing the mild sweetness of the Manouri to blend with the basil’s fresh aroma and the vegetables’ crunch, resulting in a harmonious dish ready to serve immediately.
Tools and Equipment
To prepare our Manouri salad seamlessly after assembling the ingredients, we rely on a few essential tools that ensure precision and efficiency in every step. These items help us handle crumbling, slicing, chopping, and mixing with ease, enhancing the fresh and creamy texture of the cheese.
Here’s a list of the key tools we recommend:
- Knife: A sharp chef’s knife for slicing 4 medium tomatoes and 1 red onion into even pieces, allowing us to achieve clean cuts that highlight the vibrant colors and textures.
- Cutting board: A sturdy wooden or plastic board to provide a stable surface for chopping fresh basil and crumbling 200 grams of Manouri cheese safely.
- Mixing bowl: A medium-sized glass or stainless-steel bowl for blending the dressing ingredients—extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper—until fully emulsified.
- Whisk or fork: A small whisk for thoroughly combining the dressing, ensuring the flavors meld perfectly and coat the salad evenly.
- Measuring spoons: For accurately measuring sea salt and black pepper, which helps maintain the balance of flavors in our dish.
| Tool | Recommended Type | Why It’s Useful | Approximate Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knife | Chef’s knife | Ensures precise slicing for vegetables and cheese | 20–50 |
| Cutting board | Wooden or plastic | Provides safety and stability during prep | 10–30 |
| Mixing bowl | Glass or stainless-steel | Ideal for mixing without reacting to ingredients | 5–15 |
| Whisk or fork | Silicone whisk | Helps emulsify dressings smoothly | 5–10 |
| Measuring spoons | Stainless-steel set | Guarantees accurate measurements for seasonings | 5–15 |
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our Manouri salad preparation even more convenient, we can handle several components in advance without compromising the dish’s fresh, creamy texture or mild sweetness. This approach allows us to save time while ensuring flavors meld beautifully when assembled.
Preparing Ingredients Ahead
We recommend prepping the vegetables and cheese up to 24 hours in advance for optimal freshness. Follow these steps:
- Crumble the Manouri cheese: Start by crumbling 200 grams of Manouri cheese into a bowl. Gently press it with your fingers to create even pieces, preserving its soft, velvety texture. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate to maintain its mild, slightly sweet flavor.
- Slice the vegetables: Use a sharp chef’s knife to slice 4 medium tomatoes and 1 red onion. Aim for thin, uniform slices to enhance visual appeal and ensure even flavor distribution. Place the slices in separate airtight containers lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture, preventing sogginess.
- Chop the fresh basil: Finely chop a handful of fresh basil leaves. Store them in a small sealed bag or container in the refrigerator to retain their vibrant, aromatic essence.
Making the Dressing in Advance
Our simple dressing—made from extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper—can be prepared up to 48 hours ahead, allowing the ingredients to emulsify and intensify their flavors.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together 4 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper until fully emulsified. The result should be a glossy, herbaceous blend that highlights the olive oil’s fruity notes.
- Pour the dressing into a glass jar with a tight lid and shake well before storing in the refrigerator. This keeps the mixture fresh and ready to drizzle.
Storage Tips and Times
For the best results, proper storage is key to preserving the quality of our Manouri salad components. Below is a quick reference table for make-ahead timelines and storage methods:
| Component | Make-Ahead Time | Storage Method | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crumbled Manouri cheese | Up to 24 hours | Airtight container in fridge | Keep away from strong odors to maintain its delicate sweetness. |
| Sliced tomatoes and onion | Up to 24 hours | Separate airtight containers with paper towels in fridge | Pat dry before use to avoid excess moisture that could dilute flavors. |
| Chopped basil | Up to 12 hours | Sealed bag or container in fridge | Use within this window to prevent wilting and loss of aroma. |
| Dressing | Up to 48 hours | Glass jar in fridge | Let it come to room temperature before drizzling for optimal emulsification. |
When you’re ready to assemble, simply remove the components from the fridge, let them sit for 5-10 minutes to reach room temperature, and toss gently for a harmonious, refreshing salad that showcases Manouri‘s versatility.
Conclusion
We’ve truly enjoyed sharing how Manouri adds a delightful touch to simple dishes. Its creamy texture and mild flavor make it a staple we’ll keep reaching for in our recipes.
Let’s inspire you to try these ideas and create your own variations for fresh, flavorful meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Manouri cheese?
Manouri is a creamy Greek cheese made from the whey leftover from feta production. It’s known for its mild, slightly sweet flavor and fresh, light texture, making it versatile for both savory and sweet dishes. This Mediterranean cheese adds a delightful creaminess to recipes like salads.
How is Manouri cheese made?
Manouri is produced from the whey remaining after making feta cheese, often mixed with milk or cream for added richness. This traditional Greek process results in a soft, spreadable cheese with a subtle sweetness, typically enjoyed fresh.
What does Manouri cheese taste like?
Manouri has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a creamy texture that’s not overly tangy. It’s lighter than feta, making it perfect for pairing with fruits, vegetables, or in salads, where it enhances dishes without overpowering other ingredients.
How do I make a simple Manouri salad?
Start by crumbling 200 grams of Manouri cheese, slicing 4 medium tomatoes and 1 red onion, and chopping fresh basil. Mix a dressing with extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper until emulsified. Layer the vegetables and cheese, drizzle the dressing, and toss gently for a fresh, harmonious salad ready in minutes.
What ingredients are needed for Manouri salad?
Key ingredients include 200 grams of crumbled Manouri cheese, 4 sliced medium tomatoes, 1 sliced red onion, chopped fresh basil, extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. These simple components highlight the cheese’s mild sweetness and create a balanced, flavorful dish.
What tools are required to prepare Manouri salad?
You’ll need a sharp chef’s knife for slicing, a sturdy cutting board for prep, a medium-sized mixing bowl for combining ingredients, a whisk or fork for emulsifying the dressing, and measuring spoons for accurate seasoning. These tools ensure efficient and high-quality preparation.
Can I make Manouri salad ahead of time?
Yes, prepare vegetables and cheese up to 24 hours in advance by crumbling, slicing, and chopping, then store in the fridge. Make the dressing up to 48 hours ahead to let flavors intensify. Keep components separate to maintain freshness, and assemble just before serving for the best taste.