Cherry Mozzarella Salad is a very seasonal recipe from the town of Marostica, in the Veneto region. Plump cherries are combined with sweet carrots, some greens, and creamy buffalo mozzarella for a dish that screams summer. Bite after bite, you’ll taste the fresh greens, sweet carrots, meaty and slightly tart cherries that complement the rich flavor of the buffalo mozzarella. This salad will take you straight to the hill of Marostica, at least with your mind!
This salad is also called Juliet salad in the Veneto region, and takes its name from Juliet Capuleti, who you may all know as she is the heroine of Romeo and Juliet. The Shakespearean novel, set in Verona, tells the tragic story of two young Italian lovers whose deaths eventually reconcile their feuding families. Verona is also known for its cherries.
I must confess that during this holiday in Italy, I had a lot of cherries. Fresh, plump, juicy and delicious! My dad every other day was bringing home a box full of these red gems so that my mom and I decided to use them in savory recipes. I do hope you will love this salad!
Why you will love this recipe
– It makes a great appetizer for an al fresco meal or a quick lunch or side dish.
– This Cherry and Mozzarella salad quick and easy to prepare in less than 20 minutes.
– It requires no cooking, which is perfect when the weather gets warmer.
– If you follow a vegetarian or gluten free diet, this is perfect for you!
– Juliet Salad is a seasonal recipe to make the most of cherry season.
Juliet Salad Ingredients
Cherries: Cherries grow in various parts of Italy, and Veneto produces one of the best varieties. Marostica, a cute town in Veneto, is very famous for its cherries, which have a color that varies from pink to red, and are very juicy and sweet.
Carrots: they bring extra sweetness to the plate and complement the natural acidity of the fruit. They are also in season now!
Mache Salad: in Italy mache salad is widely available, in case you cannot find it, you can use mixed green leaves or just arugula or songino.
EVOO & Salt: A good quality EVOO is essential to bring out the best flavor of the cheese and add additional fruity notes. Salt adds more flavor, but don’t add it to the mozzarella until before serving.
Buffalo Mozzarella: It is made from buffalo milk and is produced in Campania, in the area between Naples, Salerno and Caserta. The Bourbons from Spain introduced the buffalo to Italy in the 18th century.
The color of this type of mozzarella is porcelain white, which is why it is often called “the pearl of the table”. The skin is thin and the inside is soft. It is best served at room temperature.
How to prepare Juliet Salad recipe
Start by removing the cherry pit with the right tool. I use this one. Cut it in half.
Grate the carrots. In a bowl, add the greens, grated carrots, and cherries. Add salt and 1 tablespoon of EVOO.
Arrange the salad on a plate and place the buffalo mozzarella on top. Cut the mozzarella so that it can hold some cherries and carrots and add a splash of EVOO.
Serve. MANGIA and ENJOY it.
Yields 3 people as appetizer or side dish. It is great for 2 as light lunch.
MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES FOR YOU
Cherry Mozzarella Salad Variations and substitutions
For variations, you could add cherry tomatoes or San Marzano tomatoes for more acidity to contrast the creamy mozzarella and sweet carrots and cherries.
If you cannot find mache, you can sub it with mixed green leaves or just arugula or songino.
For herbs, you could use basil or parsley.
You can substitute burrata or cow mozzarella for the buffalo mozzarella, but I recommend the little bites we call bocconcini in Italian. They are easier to serve and the most important thing is that you don’t scatter the juice and cream of the mozzarella.
What to serve with Cherries Mozzarella salad
This is great as an appetizer, followed by one of the pasta recipes you’ll find here. As a dessert, I definitely recommend the Mini Cherry Tiramisu Pots.
If you are serving it for lunch, consider making some Rosemary Bread Focaccia to go with this salad and collect the delicious cream of buffalo mozzarella.
What wine to pair with Cherries Mozzarella salad
You can pair this salad with white wine or a rosé wine. In general, a fresh fruity white wine can help balance out the creamier cheeses.
A Vermentino from the Liguria region will work best. Or if you happen to be in the Veneto region, I recommend a Rosa Teo from Ca Biasi Winery. It’s a blend of Merlot and Pinot Noir and its fresh fruity notes make it ideal for an appetizer dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mache
- ⅔ cup carrot grated
- 1 cup cherries stone removed
- 5 oz bufalo mozzarella
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1 tsp salt kosher
Instructions
- Start by removing the cherry pit with the right tool. Cut it in half the cherries. Grate the carrots. In a bowl, add the greens, grated carrots, and cherries.
- Add salt and 1 tablespoon of EVOO. Arrange the salad on a plate and place the buffalo mozzarella, on top. Cut the mozzarella so that it can hold half tablespoon of cherries and carrots and add a splash of EVOO.
- Serve it and MANGIA! Enjoy it!
Nutrition
Recipe cards powered by WP Recipe Maker.
Piatto estivo saporito e leggero.TIPICO!!!