Description
This modern interpretation brings the classic flavors of spanakopita into a vibrant, no-bake salad. Crisp spinach forms the base, topped with a savory, airy feta foam and crunchy phyllo croutons. It’s a light, elegant dish perfect for a spring or summer gathering.
Ingredients
- 5 oz (about 5 generous cups) fresh baby spinach, washed and thoroughly dried
- 1/2 cup fresh dill, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup red onion, very thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the 2 tablespoons of cold water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to “bloom.” It will become solid and spongy.
- In a blender, combine the crumbled feta, milk, Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, nutmeg, and white pepper. Blend until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Gently heat the bloomed gelatin in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or over a double boiler, until it becomes a clear liquid. Do not let it boil.
- With the blender running on low, slowly stream the liquid gelatin into the feta mixture. Blend for another 10 seconds to ensure it’s fully incorporated.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow container (like a small loaf pan) and refrigerate for at least 1.5 hours, or until fully set. It should have a firm, jello-like consistency.
Notes
For the feta foam, blend 4 oz of crumbled feta cheese with 1/4 cup milk or water until very smooth. Strain if necessary for a silky texture. Use a milk frother or immersion blender to create the foam just before serving. Ensure the spinach is completely dry to prevent a soggy salad. The red onion can be soaked in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow its bite if desired.
- Prep Time: 20
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 60
- Fat: 3
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 0
- Cholesterol: 1