Imagine a dish that captures the essence of summer in every single bite - sweet, tangy, and incredibly refreshing. This Cantaloupe Salad with Basil, Fresh Mozzarella, and Onions is not just a recipe; it's a culinary experience that will transport your taste buds to an Italian countryside. With its perfect balance of juicy cantaloupe, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, this salad is about to become your new obsession for those hot, lazy afternoons when you crave something light yet incredibly satisfying.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cantaloupe, cubed
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by preparing your ingredients. Wash the cantaloupe, basil leaves, and red onion thoroughly. Make sure to dry the basil leaves gently with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Cut the cantaloupe in half and remove the seeds using a spoon. Then, slice each half into wedges and peel the skin off. Finally, cube the cantaloupe into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Next, take the fresh mozzarella balls and drain any liquid if necessary. Add the mozzarella balls to the bowl with the cubed cantaloupe.
- Now, take the red onion and slice it thinly. If you find the flavor of raw red onion too strong, you can soak the slices in cold water for about 5 minutes to mellow the taste before adding them to the salad. Once ready, add the thinly sliced onions to the bowl.
- Carefully wash the fresh basil leaves and pat them dry. Stack the leaves, roll them up tightly, and slice them into thin ribbons (this technique is called chiffonade). Add the fresh basil to the bowl with the other ingredients.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, a pinch of salt, and a few cracks of black pepper to create a simple dressing. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the cantaloupe salad mixture and gently toss everything together until the ingredients are well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
- Once mixed, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste or chill it in the refrigerator for a few minutes before serving if you prefer it cold.
- Garnish with additional basil leaves if desired and enjoy your refreshing Cantaloupe Salad with Basil, Fresh Mozzarella, and Onions!
Tips
- Choose a ripe cantaloupe: Look for fruits with a sweet aroma and slightly soft ends for the best flavor.
- Chill your ingredients: For an extra refreshing experience, refrigerate the cantaloupe and mozzarella before preparing the salad.
- Quick onion hack: If raw onions are too strong, soak sliced onions in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow their flavor.
- Basil matters: Use fresh basil and slice it just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and intense aroma.
- Dressing tip: Whisk the balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper thoroughly to ensure a well-balanced flavor profile.
- Serving suggestion: For an elegant presentation, serve immediately after mixing to keep the ingredients crisp and vibrant.
- Make it your own: Feel free to add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or experiment with different herbs like mint or oregano.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
