During a delightful trip exploring the charming countryside of Italy, I encountered a dish that was as visually appealing as it was delicious: Salad with Strawberries and Mozzarella. This refreshing salad blends the sweet, juicy taste of fresh strawberries with the soft, creamy texture of mozzarella cheese—a combination that tantalizes the taste buds with every bite.
Inspired by this flavor harmony, I was driven to perfect this dish back home. After experimenting with different proportions and dressings, I finally honed a recipe that beautifully accentuates the natural flavors of both strawberries and mozzarella. Now, I am excited to share this simple yet exquisite recipe with you, hoping it brings a burst of Italian sunshine to your table.
Salad with strawberries and mozzarella recipe
Salad with strawberries and mozzarella
The Salad with Strawberries and Mozzarella is a refreshing and visually appealing dish that combines the sweet juiciness of fresh strawberries with the soft, creamy texture of mozzarella cheese. This combination creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that is both tantalizing and satisfying. Inspired by a journey through Italy’s charming countryside, this recipe was perfected to enhance the natural sweetness of strawberries while complementing them with the subtle tastes of mozzarella. It's an ideal dish for those seeking a light yet flavorful meal, perfect for spring and summer days. With its simple elegance, this salad not only satisfies the taste buds but also adds a burst of color to any meal, making it a festive addition to any table setting.
Equipment
- 1 bowl
Ingredients
- Fresh strawberry — 500 g
- Mozzarella cheese — 250 g
- Mandarin — 1 PC.
- Grape seed oil — 3 tbsp
- Balsamic vinegar — 1 tbsp
- Thyme — 2 sprigs
- Salt — to taste
- White pepper — to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients.
- Wash the strawberries and remove the stems.
- Prepare the filling. To do this squeeze the juice of Mandarin, add oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well. The tangerine juice in this case you can substitute grapefruit juice or orange.
- Oil you can substitute canola or coconut.
- Cut the strawberries in half and arrange on plates.
- Add the cheese, using a spoon to cut the balls (melon baller), pour all the dressing, garnish with leaves and thyme sprig.
Cooking tips about Salad with strawberries and mozzarella
- Strawberry Selection: Choose ripe, red, and juicy strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness. Make sure they are fresh and firm, washing them just before slicing to preserve their texture.
- Mozzarella Quality: Opt for fresh mozzarella as it provides a creamy and soft contrast to the crisp, sweet strawberries. If possible, use buffalo mozzarella for an even richer taste.
- Dressing: To complement the sweetness of strawberries and the mildness of mozzarella, use a light balsamic glaze or a mix of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a hint of honey. Keep the dressing minimal to let the natural flavors shine.
- Herb Accents: Include fresh basil or mint leaves to add a refreshing green note that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the strawberries and the creaminess of the cheese.
- Additional Toppings: Consider adding toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for a crunchy texture, or a sprinkle of black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Serving Temperature: Serve your salad chilled or at a cool room temperature to maintain the freshness and distinct textures of the ingredients.
- Presentation: Arrange the sliced strawberries and mozzarella attractively on a platter, layering and alternating them. Drizzle the dressing artistically just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
Serving suggestions about Salad with strawberries and mozzarella
- Cheese Board Ensemble: Arrange your salad as part of a larger cheese board that includes various cheeses, fresh fruits, nuts, and honeycomb. This setup not only enhances the visual appeal but also allows guests to mix and match flavors according to their preference.
- Balsamic Reduction Drizzle: Present your salad with a drizzle of balsamic reduction. This adds a lovely sweet and tangy flavor that complements the freshness of the strawberries and the creaminess of the mozzarella perfectly.
- On a Bed of Spinach or Arugula: Serve this salad on a bed of fresh spinach or arugula. The peppery notes of the greens will enhance the sweet and savory elements of the strawberries and mozzarella.
- With Crisp Crostinis: Offer crisp crostinis on the side. Guests can top these with salad for a delightful mix of textures—crunchy, creamy, and juicy.
- Garnish with Edible Flowers: Sprinkle edible flowers like pansies or nasturtiums over the salad to elevate its visual appeal and add a hint of floral taste which pairs beautifully with the mild flavors.
- Pairing with Sparkling White Wine: Serve the salad with a glass of sparkling white wine, such as Prosecco. The effervescence and slight sweetness of the wine will enhance the fresh flavors of the salad.
- Summer Picnic Feature: Pack this salad for a summer picnic. It’s light, refreshing, and easy to serve outdoors, making it a perfect addition to a picnic basket.
Top 5 FAQs about Salad with strawberries and mozzarella
- What are the best types of strawberries and mozzarella for this salad? For the strawberries, choose ripe, juicy, and firm berries to ensure the best flavor and texture. As for the mozzarella, fresh mozzarella is recommended for its soft, creamy texture that pairs well with the acidity and sweetness of the strawberries. Buffalo mozzarella is a great option for an even richer flavor.
- What type of dressing works best with this salad? A light dressing is ideal to enhance but not overpower the flavors of the strawberries and mozzarella. A balsamic glaze or a simple mix of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a hint of honey works wonderfully.
- Can I add other ingredients to this salad? Absolutely! Fresh basil or mint leaves can add a refreshing touch. Additionally, nuts such as almonds or walnuts provide a nice crunch, while a sprinkle of black pepper can enhance the flavors further.
- What is the best way to serve this salad for optimal flavor? Serve the Salad with Strawberries and Mozzarella chilled or at cool room temperature. This helps maintain the freshness and distinct textures of the ingredients, ensuring the best taste experience.
- How should I present the Salad with Strawberries and Mozzarella? Arrange sliced strawberries and mozzarella attractively on a platter, layering them for visual appeal. Drizzle dressing over the top just before serving to keep the ingredients vibrant and fresh. Garnishing with edible flowers can also elevate the presentation for special occasions.
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