Italian Salads > Warm Italian Salads > Nutty Italian Salads

Tomino del Bec and Walnut Salad Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 4 Tomino del Bec cheese rounds
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- None

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Place the Tomino del Bec cheese rounds on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
6. Divide the salad onto four plates and top each plate with a baked Tomino del Bec cheese round.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- Serves 4

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 450
- Fat: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 15g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Mixed greens can be substituted with any leafy greens of your choice.
- Tomino del Bec cheese can be substituted with any soft cheese that melts well.
- Walnuts can be substituted with any other nuts such as almonds or pecans.
- Dried cranberries can be substituted with raisins or chopped dried apricots.

Variations:
- Add sliced apples or pears to the salad for a sweet and crunchy addition.
- Add crumbled bacon or prosciutto for a salty twist.
- Substitute the balsamic dressing with a honey mustard dressing for a different flavor profile.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to watch the cheese closely while it's baking to prevent it from burning.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the salad for extra flavor.
- Use a mix of bitter and sweet greens for a balanced flavor.

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

Reheating instructions:
- The salad is best served cold and the cheese should not be reheated.

Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the salad on a large platter and place the baked Tomino del Bec cheese rounds on top for a beautiful presentation.

Garnishes:
- Garnish the salad with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for a pop of color.

Pairings:
- Serve the salad with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Suggested side dishes:
- Serve the salad with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese is not melting properly, try broiling it for a few minutes until it's bubbly and golden brown.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash all produce thoroughly before using it in the salad.

Food history:
- Tomino del Bec is a soft cheese from the Piedmont region of Italy.

Flavor profiles:
- The salad has a combination of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the salad as a light lunch or as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.

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Taste: Creamy, Nutty, Sweet, Tangy, Savory