Salad > Italian Salads > Southern Italian Salads

Caciocavallo Podolico Picentino and Tomato Salad Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 Caciocavallo Podolico Picentino cheese, sliced
- 4 medium-sized tomatoes, sliced
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Special Equipment Needed:
- None

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Arrange the sliced tomatoes on a serving platter.
2. Place the sliced Caciocavallo Podolico Picentino cheese on top of the tomatoes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the cheese and tomatoes.
5. Sprinkle the chopped basil leaves over the top.
6. Serve immediately.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: None
Temperature:
- Room temperature
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 220
- Total fat: 18g
- Saturated fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 270mg
- Total carbohydrates: 6g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 9g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Caciocavallo Podolico Picentino cheese can be substituted with any semi-hard cheese.
- Balsamic vinegar can be substituted with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Fresh basil leaves can be substituted with dried basil.

Variations:
- Add sliced red onions or cucumbers for extra crunch.
- Use cherry tomatoes instead of sliced tomatoes.
- Add sliced avocado for creaminess.

Tips and Tricks:
- Use a sharp knife to slice the cheese and tomatoes for a clean cut.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Storage Instructions:
- Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating Instructions:
- This salad is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the salad on a large platter for a family-style meal.
- Arrange the tomatoes and cheese in a circular pattern for a visually appealing presentation.

Garnishes:
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of black pepper.

Pairings:
- This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cheese is too hard to slice, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to wash the tomatoes before slicing.

Food History:
- Caciocavallo Podolico Picentino is a type of cheese made from the milk of Podolica cows, which are native to southern Italy.

Flavor Profiles:
- This salad has a fresh and tangy flavor from the tomatoes and balsamic vinegar, balanced by the creamy and slightly nutty flavor of the cheese.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this salad as a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Tangy, Savory, Salty, Herbal, Aromatic