Avocado & Mozzarella Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Category: Cheese
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description:
This fresh and vibrant Avocado & Mozzarella Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing is a delightful meal that can be enjoyed on its own with a loaf of crusty French bread and a glass of good red wine. It also makes a fantastic first course when served in smaller portions. The recipe combines creamy avocado, fresh mozzarella, and a tangy, sun-dried tomato dressing that perfectly complements the rich flavors. For a more attractive presentation, use a mix of dark green leaf lettuce and alfalfa sprouts, which add a pleasant crunch and a hint of spice. If youβve never tried alfalfa sprouts before, this salad is the perfect introduction to their clean, fresh flavor.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil) | 2 |
| Garlic clove | 1 |
| Salt | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1 1/2 tablespoons |
| Water | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh basil | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon |
| Avocado | 1 |
| Fresh lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh mozzarella cheese (small balls) | 4 balls |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 522.5 kcal |
| Total Fat | 43.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 49.3 mg |
| Sodium | 647.2 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 18.7 g |
| Fiber | 9.1 g |
| Sugars | 4.3 g |
| Protein | 19.1 g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Dressing:
In a small jar, combine the sun-dried tomatoes (along with the oil theyβre packed in), garlic, salt, extra virgin olive oil, water, fresh basil, and dried basil. Seal the jar with a lid and shake well to emulsify the ingredients into a smooth dressing. -
Assemble the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the avocado slices with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning. Add the fresh mozzarella cheese balls, breaking them into smaller pieces if desired. -
Add the Dressing:
Pour the prepared sun-dried tomato dressing over the avocado and mozzarella mixture. Toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly, making sure the creamy avocado and mozzarella are well covered in the flavorful dressing. -
Prepare the Greens:
On two serving plates, arrange a bed of salad greens. For the best flavor and texture, we recommend using a mix of dark green leaf lettuce and alfalfa sprouts. These greens not only provide a nice contrast in color but also complement the richness of the avocado and mozzarella. -
Garnish:
Top the salad greens with the avocado and mozzarella mixture, arranging it artfully over the greens. Finally, sprinkle each serving with a tablespoon of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor and richness. -
Serve:
Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing and satisfying salad, perfect as a light meal or as a beautiful first course to any Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Tips:
- Cheese Choice: If you cannot find fresh mozzarella balls, you can use regular mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes. However, the fresh mozzarella balls provide a creamier texture and a more delicate flavor that pairs wonderfully with the avocado.
- Greens: Feel free to experiment with different greens, but the combination of alfalfa sprouts and dark leafy lettuce adds a lovely texture and flavor balance.
- Serving Variations: To make this salad more filling, consider adding some toasted pine nuts or a few slices of grilled chicken breast.
This easy-to-make salad is the perfect way to enjoy fresh, healthy ingredients with bold, vibrant flavors. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or as an appetizer, itβs sure to impress your guests with its bright colors and delicious taste.
