Italian Salads > Grilled Italian Salads

Grilled Bella Lodi and Tomato Salad Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup Bella Lodi cheese, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Special equipment needed:
- Grill pan

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush tomato slices with the olive oil mixture and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until grill marks appear.
4. Remove the tomatoes from the grill and set aside.
5. Brush Bella Lodi cheese slices with the olive oil mixture and grill for 1-2 minutes on each side until cheese is slightly melted.
6. Remove the cheese from the grill and set aside.
7. In a large bowl, toss mixed greens with the remaining olive oil mixture.
8. Arrange the grilled tomatoes and Bella Lodi cheese on top of the mixed greens.
9. Sprinkle chopped basil over the top of the salad.
10. Serve immediately.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Grill pan over medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 10g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Any type of cheese can be substituted for Bella Lodi cheese.
- Any type of vinegar can be substituted for balsamic vinegar.

Variations:
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Add sliced avocado for a creamy texture.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brush the tomatoes and cheese with the olive oil mixture to prevent sticking to the grill pan.
- Use a grill basket to prevent small pieces of cheese from falling through the grill grates.

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

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat salad in the microwave for 30 seconds or until warm.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve on a large platter for a family-style meal.

Garnishes:
- Sprinkle with additional chopped basil for added flavor.

Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of white wine for a refreshing pairing.

Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled asparagus or roasted potatoes.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese is not melting, try placing a lid over the grill pan to trap the heat.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash all produce before use.

Food history:
- Bella Lodi cheese is a hard Italian cheese that originated in the Lombardy region of Italy.

Flavor profiles:
- The salad has a combination of sweet and tangy flavors from the grilled tomatoes and balsamic vinegar.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish or a light lunch.

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Taste: Tangy, Savory, Smoky, Herbaceous, Fresh