Summer Strawberry Basil And Mozzarella Salad Recipe
I absolutely love this recipe because it’s the perfect blend of fresh, vibrant flavors, thanks to the strawberries and basil pairing with creamy mozzarella. Plus, the optional honey and lemon juice allow me to tweak the sweetness and tanginess to match my mood, making it super versatile for any occasion!
I enjoy crafting uncomplicated, invigorating dishes that let the best-of-the-season ingredients take center stage. This salad featuring strawberries, basil, and mozzarella does just that.
With every bite, you’re reminded how good, how simple, and how impossibly easy to pull off this delightful, refreshing mix really is. Juicy strawberries, herbaceous basil, and lush mozzarella come together in an unadorned ensemble.
A drizzle of balsamic glaze and extra-virgin olive oil takes this picture-perfect salad to another level.
Ingredients
Strawberries: Juicy, nutrient-rich fruits, they are high in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Their natural sweetness and refreshing taste balance well with the other flavors in the salad.
Basil leaves: Supply a fresh, aromatic scent and are jam-packed with vitamins A, C, and K, elevating the flavor of the salad.
Mozzarella cheese, fresh and creamy, is a harmonious pairing with strawberries because it is an excellent protein source and a good calcium source.
Its flavor even balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
Balsamic Glaze: Imparts profound flavor with its sweet-and-sour profile, magnifying the taste complexity with its tangy finish.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: It is replete with healthful lipids and infuses the dish with silkiness and flavors that meld beautifully with the balsamic glaze.
Ingredient Quantities
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for additional sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra tanginess)
Instructions
1. Start by getting your strawberries ready. Remove the tops and slice up 2 cups of fresh strawberries and put them in a large mixing bowl.
2. Take 1 cup of fresh basil leaves and rip them gently into small pieces before placing them in the bowl with the strawberries.
3. Cut or rip 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese into pieces that are small enough to be considered “bite-sized” and mix it with strawberries and basil.
4. Balsamic glaze should be drizzled, using 2 tablespoons, over the salad in such a manner that it covers all the ingredients evenly.
5. Add 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil to the bowl; this will help bind all the flavors together.
6. If you are going to serve this salad as a first course rather than a side dish, increase the quantities to serve 4 and use a whole avocado rather than half. If you are using this salad as a side dish with something creamy (like, say, oven-fried chicken), it works beautifully.
7. If you’d like a sweeter salad, you can drizzle it with honey and mix it again.
Optional: If you want to add a touch of sweetness, drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey over the salad and mix again.
8. To achieve a bit of tanginess that some people love, add 1 tablespoon lemon juice to the salad and toss to coat.
9. Present the salad on a serving platter or individual plates for a more elegant appearance.
10. Serve the salad right away, or cover and chill for up to 30 minutes to let the flavors marry before you dig in.
Equipment Needed
1. Cutting board
2. Paring knife
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Medium serving platter or individual plates
7. Salad tongs or serving spoon (for mixing and serving)
8. Small bowl or ramekin (optional, for mixing honey or lemon juice if used)
FAQ
- Q: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?A: The flavor and texture of this salad are best when made with fresh basil. Dried basil does not provide the same degree of freshness.
- Q: What can I substitute for balsamic glaze?If balsamic glaze is unavailable, you can use regular balsamic vinegar. Reduce the amount slightly to prevent overpowering the flavors.
- Q: Can the salad be made in advance?It’s ideal to put together the salad right before you plan to serve it, to preserve the fresh state of the ingredient. If necessary, you can have all the individual components ready but just not mixed yet. Then, right before you dig in, just combine everything and enjoy!
- Q: How do I store leftovers?Refrigerate leftover salad in an airtight container for up to one day, but be forewarned: the strawberries will likely exude juice and impact the salad’s texture.
- Q: Is the honey mandatory?A: You can leave out the honey if you want a salad that is less sweet. It’s really up to you and your taste. You might want to taste the salad first, and if you want it to be sweeter, then go ahead and drizzle on some honey.
- Q: Can I add other fruits to this salad?Absolutely, try adding complementary fruits like blueberries or peaches to the strawberries.
- Q: Is there a vegan alternative to mozzarella?Substituting mozzarella in this salad makes it vegan. Here are two possible substitutes:
– Vegan cheese
– Marinated tofu
Substitutions and Variations
Raspberries or sliced peaches can be used in place of strawberries for a unique fruit flavor.
Fresh mint leaves can be used in place of basil leaves for a delightful flavor variation.
Burrata cheese can replace fresh mozzarella for a creamier flavor, or feta cheese for a saltier one.
A simple balsamic vinegar reduction can be used in place of balsamic glaze to impart a similar flavor.
Avocado oil can take the place of extra-virgin olive oil and lend a different depth of flavor.
Pro Tips
1. Chill the Ingredients: Before assembling, chill the strawberries, mozzarella, and basil. This helps keep the salad refreshing and enhances the flavors when served cold.
2. Layering for Best Presentation: When plating, layer the ingredients instead of just mixing them all in one bowl. Start with a base of strawberries, followed by mozzarella and basil, then repeat. This method ensures even distribution of flavors and a visually appealing presentation.
3. Use Quality Balsamic Glaze: Opt for a high-quality balsamic glaze as it can greatly influence the overall taste. You can also make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar with a bit of sugar until syrupy for a fresher flavor.
4. Enhance with Textures: Add a crunchy element like toasted nuts (such as pine nuts or almonds) for extra texture, which contrasts nicely with the softness of the mozzarella and fruit.
5. Balance with Acidity: If you’re concerned about the salad being too sweet, adjust the lemon juice or add a splash of vinegar like white balsamic or apple cider vinegar. This balances the sweetness and provides a fresh tang.
Summer Strawberry Basil And Mozzarella Salad Recipe
My favorite Summer Strawberry Basil And Mozzarella Salad Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Cutting board
2. Paring knife
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Medium serving platter or individual plates
7. Salad tongs or serving spoon (for mixing and serving)
8. Small bowl or ramekin (optional, for mixing honey or lemon juice if used)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for additional sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra tanginess)
Instructions:
1. Start by getting your strawberries ready. Remove the tops and slice up 2 cups of fresh strawberries and put them in a large mixing bowl.
2. Take 1 cup of fresh basil leaves and rip them gently into small pieces before placing them in the bowl with the strawberries.
3. Cut or rip 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese into pieces that are small enough to be considered “bite-sized” and mix it with strawberries and basil.
4. Balsamic glaze should be drizzled, using 2 tablespoons, over the salad in such a manner that it covers all the ingredients evenly.
5. Add 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil to the bowl; this will help bind all the flavors together.
6. If you are going to serve this salad as a first course rather than a side dish, increase the quantities to serve 4 and use a whole avocado rather than half. If you are using this salad as a side dish with something creamy (like, say, oven-fried chicken), it works beautifully.
7. If you’d like a sweeter salad, you can drizzle it with honey and mix it again.
Optional: If you want to add a touch of sweetness, drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey over the salad and mix again.
8. To achieve a bit of tanginess that some people love, add 1 tablespoon lemon juice to the salad and toss to coat.
9. Present the salad on a serving platter or individual plates for a more elegant appearance.
10. Serve the salad right away, or cover and chill for up to 30 minutes to let the flavors marry before you dig in.