Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 8 oz stracciatella di bufala cheese
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- None
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, and torn basil leaves.
2. Using your hands, gently tear apart the stracciatella di bufala cheese and add it to the bowl.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
5. Serve immediately.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: None
Temperature:
- Room temperature
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 260
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Romaine lettuce can be substituted with any other type of lettuce.
- Cherry tomatoes can be substituted with grape tomatoes or diced tomatoes.
- Red onion can be substituted with shallots or green onions.
- Kalamata olives can be substituted with any other type of olive.
- Fresh basil leaves can be substituted with fresh parsley or cilantro.
- Stracciatella di bufala cheese can be substituted with fresh mozzarella or burrata cheese.
Variations:
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Add sliced avocado for a creamy texture.
- Add roasted red peppers for a smoky flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Use your hands to tear apart the stracciatella di bufala cheese for a more rustic look.
- Make sure to season the dressing well with salt and pepper to bring out the flavors of the salad.
- Serve the salad immediately after tossing to prevent the lettuce from wilting.
Storage instructions:
- This salad is best served fresh and should not be stored.
Reheating instructions:
- N/A
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with additional torn basil leaves.
Garnishes:
- Additional torn basil leaves
Pairings:
- This salad pairs well with grilled meats or seafood.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread or a side of pasta would be a great addition to this salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dressing is too tart, add a pinch of sugar to balance out the flavors.
- If the lettuce is too wilted, try soaking it in ice water for a few minutes before assembling the salad.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash all produce before using.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours.
Food history:
- Stracciatella di bufala cheese is a traditional Italian cheese made from buffalo milk.
Flavor profiles:
- This salad has a fresh and tangy flavor from the balsamic dressing and kalamata olives, with a creamy and rich texture from the stracciatella di bufala cheese.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve this salad as a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
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Region: Italian