Fresh Mozzarella Salad

This delightful fresh mozzarella salad is a beautiful medley of vibrant vegetables and soft mozzarella cheese. It's the perfect dish for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner side. With its colorful presentation and fresh ingredients, this salad offers a visual feast as much as it does in flavors. The crispiness of the salad leaves and vegetables contrasts wonderfully with the creamy texture of the mozzarella. Enhanced with a touch of oregano, this dish carries a hint of Mediterranean flair. The preparation is incredibly simple and quick, making it a go-to option for busy days. Customizable to your liking, you can swap out or add ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. This salad is not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy option for any meal. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a wholesome meal, this fresh mozzarella salad is sure to meet your expectations.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

Fresh salad leaves
Arugula
1 Cucumber
1 Carrot
2 Tomatoes
1 Bell pepper
Fresh mozzarella cheese

Spices

Recommended: Oregano

Preparation Time

Total time: 10 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by thoroughly washing the salad leaves, arugula, and all the vegetables.
Prepare the Base: Tear or chop the salad leaves and arugula into bite-sized pieces by hand for a rustic texture. Place them as a base on a serving plate.
Peel and Spiralize: Use a vegetable peeler to create thin, ribbon-like "spaghetti" strips from the carrot and cucumber. This adds a different texture rather than just chopping.
Layering: Evenly distribute the carrot and cucumber spaghetti over the salad leaves.
Slice Vegetables: Cut the tomatoes and bell pepper into your preferred slice sizes. Arrange these slices visually appealing over the plated salad.
Add Cheese: Tear or chop fresh mozzarella cheese into small pieces and sprinkle them across the salad. The cheese should be evenly spread for consistent flavor in every bite.
Seasoning: Sprinkle a light amount of oregano over the salad for a subtle herbaceous note. Adjust the amount to your taste.
Final Touches: Optional—drizzle olive oil or balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
Stir and Mix: Gently toss the salad to mix the ingredients without breaking the mozzarella or crushing the more delicate vegetables.
Monitor Taste: Before serving, taste the salad and adjust any seasonings if necessary.

Tips

Ingredient Substitutes: Consider using spinach if arugula is unavailable.
Extra Crunch: Add nuts like walnuts or almonds to add a delightful crunch.
Dressing Options: A lemon vinaigrette can add a zesty zing.

Nutrition

Calories: 250 per serving
Protein: 10g
Fats: 15g
Carbohydrates: 20g

Variations

Vegetable Mix: Include roasted vegetables such as squash or beets for a warm variant.
Protein: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a vegan version.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes: Pair with a hearty soup or fresh baguette.
Garnishes: Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for enhanced flavor.
Beverage Pairing: Pairs well with a crisp white wine or iced tea.

Best Places

Mocadeli Cafe - Renowned for fresh salads and authentic ingredients. Location: Rua Augusta 930, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Cafe Seine - Offers a variety of fresh cheese dishes. Location: 158 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
Green Spoon Bistro - Specializes in organic and fresh produce. Location: 745 4th Ave, San Diego, USA.
The Italian Bowl - Famous for cheeses and salads. Location: 129 Glebe Point Rd, Sydney, Australia.
La Mozzarella - Known for its unparalleled mozzarella dishes. Location: Via dei Servi 50, Florence, Italy.
Salad Sanctuary - A venue for bespoke salad experiences. Location: 1122 Bloor St W, Toronto, Canada.
Vegi-ville Cafe - Celebrated for veggie creativity in dishes. Location: 120 Zhongshan Rd, Taipei, Taiwan.
Juice & Salad Bar - Offers colorful, healthy options. Location: Muze Rd, Cape Town, South Africa.
Rustic Roots Bistro - Farm-to-table freshness showcased. Location: 875 Nguyen Trai, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Leafy Greens Cafe - A fan favorite for innovative salads. Location: 45 Parnell St, Dublin, Ireland.