Creamy Garlic Mushroom Risotto Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to Love With Recipes, your ultimate culinary destination for sophisticated, wholesome, and flavor-packed dishes that elevate your dining experience. Today, we delve into the vibrant world of salads with a focus on a unique and delightful Spinach Spätzle Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Primosale. This dish harmoniously combines the earthy richness of fresh spinach and homemade spätzle, the sweet burst of cherry tomatoes, the creamy texture of Primosale cheese, and fragrant basil, all brought together with a bright lemon zest and a touch of black pepper. Perfect as a first course, this salad exemplifies the marriage of rustic comfort and elegant presentation, suitable for both casual gatherings and refined dinner parties.

This recipe emphasizes freshness, texture, and flavor balance, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious food lovers seeking a nourishing yet indulgent starter. The homemade spätzle adds an artisanal touch, elevating the salad beyond typical vegetable medleys. As you craft this dish, you’ll appreciate how simple ingredients can be transformed into a stunning culinary creation, showcasing technique and quality ingredients. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, this salad offers a colorful and inviting presentation that will captivate your guests and satisfy your palate.

Time

Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

• Preparation Time: 40 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Chilling Time: 15 minutes

Note: The resting period for the dough and the chilling of the salad are essential steps that enhance flavor integration and facilitate optimal texture.

Needed Equipment

• Large mixing bowls
• Blender or food processor (for spinach)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Kitchen scale
• Pot for boiling water
• Colander or sieve for draining spätzle
• Slotted spoon or spider strainer
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Small bowl for lemon zest
• Grater or microplane (for lemon zest)
• Salad serving bowl or platter
• Refrigerator for chilling
• Small saucepan (optional, for heating cheese if needed)
• Measuring spoons
• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap (for covering dough)

Tags

Fresh, Vegetarian, Italian-inspired, Healthy, Homemade, Easy, Light, Summer, First Course, Vegetarian-friendly, Nut-Free, Contains Dairy, Contains Gluten

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 4 generous servings, perfect as a first course or appetizer in a multi-course meal.

Difficulty Level

Intermediate: The recipe involves making homemade spätzle dough, which requires attention to texture and consistency, but is accessible to home cooks familiar with basic dough preparation techniques.

Allergen Information

• Gluten: Present in flour and spätzle
• Dairy: Present in Primosale cheese
• Eggs: Used in spätzle dough

Dietary Preference

Vegetarian, adaptable for gluten-free diets with suitable flour alternatives, and dairy-based.

Course

First Course / Appetizer

Cuisine

Italian-inspired, Contemporary European

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Preparing the Spinach and Making the Spätzle Dough

To start, wash the fresh spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Use cold water and gently swirl the leaves, then drain and pat dry with a clean towel. For a smoother incorporation into the dough, roughly chop the spinach leaves and transfer them into a blender or food processor. Add a small splash of water, about 1 to 2 tablespoons, to facilitate blending. Process until you achieve a smooth, vibrant green puree, ensuring no large pieces remain. Transfer the spinach puree into a large mixing bowl.

In a separate bowl, measure out the flour and sift it to ensure a fine, airy consistency, which helps in creating a tender spätzle. Add the eggs, water, a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg, and fine salt to the spinach puree. Whisk these ingredients together to form a homogeneous mixture. Gradually incorporate the sifted flour into the wet mixture, stirring constantly with a whisk or spatula to develop a sticky, elastic dough. The dough should be thick but still manageable, with a slight sheen and elasticity. If the dough feels too stiff, add a teaspoon of water at a time; if too runny, sprinkle in a little more flour. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the gluten to relax, which improves the texture of the spätzle.

2. Preparing the Vegetables and Cheese

While the dough is chilling, prepare the vegetables. Rinse the cherry tomatoes carefully under cold running water, ensuring all residues are washed away. Using a sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board, cut each cherry tomato into quarters lengthwise. Place the cut tomatoes in a large mixing bowl. Do the same with both the red and yellow cherry tomatoes to add a vibrant visual contrast that will enhance the dish’s presentation.

Next, prepare the Primosale cheese. Using a sharp cheese knife, cut the cheese into small cubes approximately 1 centimeter in size. These cubes will provide bursts of creamy flavor in every bite. Add the cheese cubes to the bowl with the tomatoes.

Gather the fresh basil leaves, rinse them gently, and pat dry. Roughly chop or tear the basil into smaller pieces to release their aromatic oils. Add these to the bowl with the tomatoes and cheese.

3. Assembling the Salad Dressing and Flavors

To enhance the flavor profile, add the lemon zest directly over the mixture, ensuring you only grate the outermost colorful layer of the lemon peel. This zest imparts a fresh citrus aroma that lifts the entire dish. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, about 2 to 3 tablespoons, aiming for a balanced and glossy coating. Season with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of fine sea salt, but do so judiciously, as the olives and cheese already contribute saltiness. Gently toss the ingredients together with a large spoon or salad tongs, ensuring that the tomatoes, cheese, basil, and zest are evenly distributed and coated with the oil and seasonings.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and refrigerate for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and develop a more harmonious taste profile.

4. Cooking the Spätzle

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. To cook the spätzle, you can use a traditional spätzle maker, a colander with large holes, or a slotted spoon. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir. Using a spatula or a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip, press or squeeze the dough through the holes directly into the boiling water. Alternatively, if using a spätzle maker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for extruding the dough.

Cook the spätzle until they rise to the surface, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon or a fine mesh sieve to remove the cooked spätzle from the boiling water and transfer them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their bright green color. After a few minutes, drain the spätzle thoroughly in a colander or sieve, then allow them to cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator if preparing ahead.

5. Combining the Elements and Final Presentation

Once the spätzle have cooled, gently toss them into the chilled tomato, basil, and cheese salad. Care must be taken to avoid breaking the delicate pasta—use a gentle folding motion to coat the spätzle evenly with the flavorful dressing. If desired, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the salad for an extra citrusy brightness, or sprinkle with additional basil or olives for added visual appeal.

Serve the salad immediately for the freshest experience, or keep it chilled for up to an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to continue to develop and deepen, making it even more delightful when presented.

Preparation Tips

• Spinach Puree: Use baby spinach for a more tender, sweet flavor, but mature spinach works equally well. Ensure the puree is smooth to avoid lumps in your spätzle dough.
• Homemade Spätzle: For a more traditional approach, you can also make spätzle using a dough scraper or a spätzle press. The key is consistency and patience during extrusion.
• Flavor Enhancements: Consider adding a teaspoon of chopped garlic or shallots to the salad for extra depth. Toasted pine nuts or chopped roasted walnuts can add a satisfying crunch.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different fresh cheeses like burrata, mozzarella, or even ricotta for varied textures and flavors.
• Vegetable Variations: Incorporate other seasonal vegetables such as grilled zucchini, roasted peppers, or thinly sliced radishes for a personalized touch.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Color and Texture: Using yellow and red cherry tomatoes not only adds visual appeal but also offers a variety of flavor nuances—sweetness from yellow and acidity from red.
• Cooking Spätzle: Do not overcook; they should be tender but still firm enough to hold their shape when tossed with the salad.
• Flavor Development: Making the salad a few hours ahead allows the flavors to marry beautifully, resulting in a richer taste experience.
• Presentation: Serve on a large white platter or colorful bowl to accentuate the vibrant colors of the ingredients.
• Dietary Adjustments: For gluten-free variations, substitute the flour with rice, chickpea, or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Add-ons

• Extra olives (Kalamata or Gaeta) for a briny kick
• Chopped toasted nuts (pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds)
• Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for added sharpness
• Thin slices of prosciutto or cooked pancetta for a non-vegetarian twist
• Drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet-acidic finish

Side Dishes

• Crusty Italian bread or baguette slices
• Light grilled vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant
• Fresh antipasto platter with cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables
• Roasted seasonal vegetables

Improvements

• Incorporate a splash of white wine vinegar or sherry vinegar into the dressing for added complexity.
• Add a handful of arugula or mixed greens for extra freshness and peppery notes.
• Use flavored oils, such as basil-infused or chili oil, to introduce new layers of aroma.
• Roast the cherry tomatoes briefly before adding to intensify their sweetness and deepen flavor.

Save and Store

While best enjoyed immediately, this salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours. To prevent the spätzle from drying out, store it separately and combine just before serving. If prepared in advance, re-toss the salad and spätzle gently, and serve at room temperature or chilled. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the spätzle and fresh vegetables may degrade.

FAQ

Can I make the spätzle ahead of time?

Yes, the spätzle can be prepared up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat briefly in boiling water or serve cold. Make sure to cool and dry it thoroughly to prevent clumping.

Can I substitute the cheese?

Absolutely. While Primosale provides a mild, creamy flavor, you can substitute with fresh mozzarella, burrata, or even ricotta for a different texture and taste profile.

Is this salad suitable for gluten-free diets?

Standard version contains gluten. For gluten-free options, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend or rice flour. Adjust the dough consistency accordingly.

What variations can I try?

Experiment with adding roasted vegetables, different herbs such as oregano or thyme, or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a different flavor dimension.

Conclusion

This Spinach Spätzle Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Primosale stands out as an elegant, healthful, and satisfying first course that beautifully combines the rustic charm of homemade pasta with the freshness of seasonal vegetables. Its vibrant colors and harmonious flavors make it not only a feast for the palate but also a visual delight. Perfect for summer gatherings or a refined dinner, this dish embodies the essence of Mediterranean freshness and culinary craftsmanship. Remember, the key to elevating this recipe lies in quality ingredients and gentle handling—allowing each component to shine in its own right. Embrace the process, enjoy the vibrant flavors, and share this culinary gem with friends and family. For more inspired recipes and culinary tips, visit Love With Recipes, your trusted partner in creating memorable meals.