If my interpretation of Dorie Greenspan’s Mozzarella, Tomato and Strawberry Salad is an audition for American Idol, the judges would probably say I did not make it my own. Greenspan’s pairing of tomato and strawberry is quite original yet her nod to the classic insalata caprese keeps this elegant appetizer close to familiar territory. Now that is someone who stamps her signature on dishes. As for me? I just followed her recipe with very minor adjustment and plated it a little differently for a more restaurant-style presentation. Judges, I have to agree. As much as I hit all the right notes, I did not make it my own.
Slices of buffalo mozzarella are topped with fresh grape tomatoes and local Ontario strawberries. I dressed them with a drizzle of the finest olive oil I have and a few delicate slivers of mint. They are served with a tiny salad of microgreens dressed in balsamic vinaigrette. This salad is all about attention to detail. Its simplicity means the quality of ingredient is paramount. Every component on the dish was chosen with utmost care and cut to perfection, down to the artfully arranged lettuce leaves.
Although my own creativity took a backseat this week with this salad, Greenspan’s certainly shined through. As promised the sweet and tart combination of strawberries and grape tomatoes is an unusual yet natural match. The little flakes of fleur de sel helped to bring out the sweetness of the fruits. The buffalo mozzarella is made locally by Bella Casara Quality Cheese. There are only two herds of buffalo in Ontario and this company buys up the entire herds’ production. I visit their factory outlet on a regular basis for their incomparably milky fresh ricotta, still warm and made daily on-site. The buffalo mozzarella is a relatively new cheese on their line-up and it did not disappoint. The taste is more assertive than fior di latte made from cow’s milk but definitely a better match with the rest of the salad.
Insalata caprese is summer on a plate. This week, I returned to my local farmers’ market for the first time this year and was greeted by all the familiar faces. How nice is it that they recognize me from last year! All the strawberries, raspberries, shelling green peas, mint, and new potatoes enticed me with their taste, aroma, and colour. I simply could not walk away without bringing them home. I feel so lucky to be living in a fertile growing region in Canada.
Don’t forget to check out the salad made by other French Fridays with Dorie members!
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