Strawberries and Fresh Mozzarella Salad

Strawberries and Fresh Mozzarella Salad Recipe from New England

Region / culture: New England | Servings: 8

Introduction

Strawberries and Fresh Mozzarella Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the creamy texture of fresh mozzarella cheese. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on the classic Caprese salad, which traditionally consists of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar. The addition of strawberries adds a unique and delicious flavor to the dish, making it a popular choice for those looking for a fresh and healthy meal option.

Ingredients

1 cup of extra virgin olive oil
0.33 oz (9 g) of mint leaves
1.5 lb (680 g) of stemmed and sliced strawberries
0.75 oz (21 g) of sugar
2 lb (907 g) of fresh mozzarella cheese slices, 0.5 inch thick
0.13 cup & 1 tsp of balsamic vinegar

How to prepare

In a blender, combine olive oil and mint. Process until smooth. Cover and refrigerate.
In a bowl, combine strawberries and sugar. Cover and set aside.
For each serving:
Place mozzarella, overlapping slices divided evenly between 8 plates. Spoon 0.33 cup of sugared strawberries around the cheese. Drizzle 2 tbsp of mint drizzle and 0.5 tsp of balsamic vinegar over the cheese and strawberries.

Variations

Try using different types of berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, for a unique twist.
Add some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for extra crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use the freshest ingredients possible for the best flavor.

- Be sure to slice the strawberries and mozzarella cheese evenly for a beautiful presentation.

- Refrigerate the mint drizzle for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad as a light lunch or as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Use a blender to make the mint drizzle for a smooth and creamy texture.

- Slice the strawberries and mozzarella cheese with a sharp knife for even and clean cuts.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh mozzarella cheese, you can use regular mozzarella cheese or even feta cheese as a substitute.

- Substitute honey for sugar for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the mint drizzle and slice the strawberries ahead of time, but assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the sliced strawberries and mozzarella cheese in a circular pattern on a plate for an elegant presentation. Drizzle the mint dressing over the top for a beautiful finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not reheat as the ingredients may become mushy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Strawberries and Fresh Mozzarella Salad contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Strawberries and Fresh Mozzarella Salad contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Strawberries and Fresh Mozzarella Salad contains approximately 25 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Strawberries and Fresh Mozzarella Salad contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Strawberries are a great source of vitamin C, while fresh mozzarella cheese provides calcium and vitamin D.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (mozzarella cheese) and tree nuts (mint leaves). Please be cautious if you have allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Strawberries and Fresh Mozzarella Salad is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Strawberries and Fresh Mozzarella Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. With its combination of sweet strawberries, creamy mozzarella cheese, and refreshing mint drizzle, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a warm summer day, the sun was shining bright and the birds were chirping happily in the trees. I was at a small farmer's market, browsing the fresh produce and chatting with the local vendors. As I walked past a stand, I caught a whiff of something sweet and tangy - strawberries!

I couldn't resist walking over to see what was being sold. There, in front of me, was a beautiful display of bright red strawberries. I struck up a conversation with the farmer, who told me all about how he grew these strawberries himself and how they were picked at the peak of ripeness.

I couldn't resist buying a few pints, they looked so tempting. As I was about to leave, the farmer handed me a small piece of paper with a handwritten recipe on it. "Try this," he said with a smile, "It's a recipe for strawberries and fresh mozzarella salad. It's a family favorite."

I thanked him and tucked the recipe into my purse, excited to give it a try. When I got home, I gathered all the ingredients - the fresh strawberries, creamy mozzarella cheese, balsamic vinegar, and a few fresh basil leaves from my garden. I followed the simple instructions on the recipe card, slicing the strawberries and mozzarella, drizzling them with balsamic vinegar, and garnishing with the fragrant basil leaves.

The result was a beautiful and delicious salad that was bursting with flavor. The sweetness of the strawberries paired perfectly with the creamy mozzarella and the tangy balsamic vinegar. It was a refreshing and light dish that was perfect for a hot summer day.

I couldn't wait to share this recipe with my family and friends. I made it for a backyard barbecue that weekend and everyone raved about it. They couldn't believe how simple and yet how delicious it was. It quickly became a staple at our gatherings, always a hit with everyone who tried it.

As the years went by, I continued to make this strawberries and fresh mozzarella salad, each time tweaking the recipe slightly to make it my own. Sometimes I would add a handful of toasted nuts for crunch, or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness. But no matter how I changed it, the basic flavors remained the same - the juicy strawberries, the creamy mozzarella, the tangy balsamic, and the fresh basil.

I became known among my family and friends as the "salad queen," always coming up with new and delicious salad recipes to share. But this strawberries and fresh mozzarella salad remained a favorite, a classic that never went out of style.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the memories of all the meals I've cooked and all the recipes I've collected over the years, I can't help but smile as I think back to that warm summer day at the farmer's market. It was the day I discovered this simple yet delicious recipe that has brought so much joy to my family and friends.

As I jot down the recipe for strawberries and fresh mozzarella salad in my handwritten recipe book, I can't help but feel grateful for all the wonderful experiences and people that have enriched my life through food. And I know that this recipe will continue to be a part of those memories for years to come.