Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 oz. smoked scamorza cheese, sliced
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp. honey
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Grill pan or outdoor grill
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. In a large bowl, toss together spinach, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with the dressing.
4. Grill the sliced scamorza cheese for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly charred and melted.
5. Arrange the grilled scamorza cheese on top of the spinach salad.
6. Serve immediately.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 5 minutes
Temperature:
- Grill pan or outdoor grill: medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Protein: 12g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Smoked scamorza cheese can be substituted with any other type of smoked cheese.
- Baby spinach leaves can be substituted with any other type of leafy greens.
- Cherry tomatoes can be substituted with any other type of tomatoes.
- Red onion can be substituted with any other type of onion.
Variations:
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess.
- Add croutons or nuts for crunch.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to preheat the grill pan or outdoor grill before grilling the cheese.
- Use a spatula to carefully flip the cheese slices to prevent them from breaking apart.
- Serve the salad immediately after grilling the cheese for the best texture.
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 with the grilled cheese arranged on top.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a pop of color.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs such as basil or parsley
- Edible flowers such as nasturtiums or pansies
Pairings:
- This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant
- Garlic bread or crostini
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese is sticking to the grill pan or outdoor grill, brush it with a little bit of oil before grilling.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash all produce thoroughly before using.
- Use a food thermometer to ensure that the cheese is heated to a safe temperature of 165°F.
Food history:
- Scamorza cheese is a traditional Italian cheese that is similar to mozzarella but with a smokier flavor.
Flavor profiles:
- Smoky, tangy, sweet, and savory
Serving suggestions:
- Serve this salad as a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.
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Region: Italian