Strawberry Mozzarella Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

This is such an amazing salad to get your week off to a great start!   On The Lighter Side this week we have a Strawberry Mozzarella Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette.  The textures and flavors in this salad are surprising.  The soft creaminess of the mozzarella, the crunchy nutty flavor of the roasted almonds and the sweet flavor of the fresh strawberries all come together to make an incredible treat for your senses.

Served on a bed of mixed lettuce this is an satisfying light dish.    I love this salad.  I have that bottle of salad dressing in my fridge to use for more salads!

Strawberry Mozzarella Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

Salad - Serves 1

2 cups mixed greens

2 tablespoons toasted almonds

1 ounce mozzarella pearls

4 strawberries, sliced

Place greens on a plate, add strawberries, mozzarella and almonds.  Drizzle 2 tablespoons of Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette over top (recipe follows).  Serve cold.

Vinaigrette - Makes 1/2 pint

8 oz hulled strawberries, quartered

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup aged balsamic vinegar

½ tablespoon honey

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon crushed rosemary

1/8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

2 tablespoons orange juice

Combine strawberries, olive oil, vinegar, honey, salt, rosemary, pepper and orange juice in  food processor until it becomes a dressing like consistency.

 Pour dressing into your favorite container.  Refrigerate.

Click here for a printable version of this recipe - The Slow Roasted Italian.com