Italian Salads > Cheese Salads > Provolone Salads

Provolone Valpadana and Arugula Salad Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 cups arugula
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Provolone Valpadana cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed: None

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine arugula, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and Provolone Valpadana cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Serve immediately.

10 minutes
Temperature: Room temperature
Serving size: 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 6g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Arugula can be substituted with spinach or mixed greens.
- Cherry tomatoes can be substituted with grape tomatoes or diced tomatoes.
- Red onion can be substituted with shallots or green onions.
- Provolone Valpadana cheese can be substituted with any other type of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese.

Variations:
- Add sliced grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Add sliced avocado for a creamy texture.
- Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch.

Tips and tricks:
- To make the salad ahead of time, prepare the dressing and store it separately from the salad ingredients. Toss the salad with the dressing just before serving.
- Use a vegetable peeler to shave the Provolone Valpadana cheese into thin slices for a different presentation.

Storage instructions:
- Store 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 in a large bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley.

Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley.

Pairings:
- This salad pairs well with grilled meats or seafood.

Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread or a crusty baguette.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dressing is too tart, add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.

Food safety advice:
- Wash all produce thoroughly before using.

Food history:
- Provolone Valpadana is a semi-hard cheese that originated in the Po Valley of Northern Italy.

Flavor profiles:
- This salad is tangy and savory, with a slight bitterness from the arugula.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve this salad as a light lunch or as a side dish with dinner.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Creamy, Tangy, Savory, Nutty, Bitter