Fava Bean and Spinach Salad

Ingredients

• Fava beans (1 cup, shelled)
• Fresh spinach (4 cups, washed and dried)
• Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved)
• Red onion (1/2 small, thinly sliced)
• Feta cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled)
• Fresh mint leaves (1/4 cup, chopped)
• Olive oil (3 tablespoons)
• Lemon juice (2 tablespoons)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fava beans and cook for 2 minutes. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Carefully remove the outer skin from the fava beans by gently squeezing each bean. Set aside the peeled beans.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the washed and dried spinach, thinly sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh mint leaves.
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create the dressing.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
6. Finally, add the prepared fava beans to the salad and gently toss again to incorporate them without mashing.
7. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional mint leaves if desired.