Summer Salad with Herbed Ricotta and Balsamic Vinaigrette is the perfect dish to enjoy the flavors of summer. This vibrant salad combines heirloom tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and peppery radishes, all topped with a creamy herbed ricotta dollop. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or a light lunch, this salad stands out with its unique flavor profile and fresh ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare – Minimal prep time means you can whip this up in just 15 minutes.
- Fresh and Flavorful – The combination of heirloom tomatoes and herbed ricotta packs a punch of flavor.
- Versatile Dish – Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light main course.
- Healthy Ingredients – Packed with fresh vegetables and nutritious herbs, this salad is both satisfying and healthy.
- Customizable – Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the herbs to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
To create this delightful Summer Salad with Herbed Ricotta and Balsamic Vinaigrette, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large platter
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls – Essential for combining ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk – Great for blending the vinaigrette thoroughly for an even flavor.
- Cutting board – Provides a stable surface for slicing vegetables safely.
- Sharp knife – Ensures precise cuts for all your fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Herbed Ricotta
- ⅓ cup ricotta cheese
- 2 basil leaves (chopped finely)
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano (chopped finely)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (chopped)
For the Salad
- 1 pound heirloom tomatoes (cut into 1/2 inch slices)
- ½ English cucumber (sliced)
- 6 radishes (sliced)
- ½ red onion (sliced)
- 1 serrano pepper (chopped)
- ¼ cup basil leaves (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon oregano leaves
For the Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
How to Make Summer Salad with Herbed Ricotta and Balsamic Vinaigrette
Step 1: Prepare the Herbed Ricotta
In a small bowl combine the ricotta cheese with the chopped basil, oregano, and thyme. Mix well and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In another small bowl whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Arrange the tomato slices, cucumber slices, radishes, and onion on a large platter. Drizzle generously with the dressing. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 4: Add Toppings
Top the salad with chopped serrano peppers and evenly dollop the herbed ricotta mixture over the tomato slices.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish your salad with fresh basil and oregano leaves. Serve immediately to enjoy at its freshest!
How to Serve Summer Salad with Herbed Ricotta and Balsamic Vinaigrette
This refreshing Summer Salad with Herbed Ricotta and Balsamic Vinaigrette is perfect for warm days. It can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors and presentation.
As a Starter
- Serve small portions of the salad in individual bowls. This creates a lovely appetizer that sets the tone for a summer meal.
On a Platter
- Arrange the salad on a large, colorful platter. This makes it visually appealing and perfect for sharing at gatherings or picnics.
With Grilled Proteins
- Pair the salad with grilled chicken or fish. The herbed ricotta complements the smoky flavors of grilled meats beautifully.
As a Main Dish
- Enjoy it as a light lunch by adding quinoa or couscous. This adds heartiness without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
With Crusty Bread
- Serve alongside slices of crusty bread or baguette. This allows guests to scoop up the salad, making it interactive and fun.
How to Perfect Summer Salad with Herbed Ricotta and Balsamic Vinaigrette
To elevate your Summer Salad with Herbed Ricotta and Balsamic Vinaigrette, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs. The quality of produce significantly enhances the salad’s flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. A pinch more can make all the difference in taste.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try using goat cheese or feta instead of ricotta for a different tangy flavor profile.
- Add Nuts or Seeds: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds on top for added crunch and nutrition.
- Customize Your Greens: Incorporate mixed greens or arugula for added texture and flavor variation.
Best Side Dishes for Summer Salad with Herbed Ricotta and Balsamic Vinaigrette
Pair your refreshing salad with these delightful side dishes that complement its flavors perfectly.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter and charred on the grill adds a smoky sweetness.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread enhances your meal with its buttery, savory goodness.
- Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create an easy-to-eat side.
- Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus spears roasted until tender offer an elegant touch.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon dressing provides additional protein while keeping things fresh.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds sweetness, balancing out the savory elements of the main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a summer salad with herbed ricotta and balsamic vinaigrette can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can overwhelm the flavors. Start with a small amount, and add more as needed for taste.
- Using stale herbs: Fresh herbs are key for flavor. Always use fresh basil, oregano, and thyme rather than dried to elevate your salad.
- Neglecting seasoning: Skipping salt and pepper can lead to blandness. Season each layer of your salad as you build it for balanced flavor.
- Cutting vegetables unevenly: Inconsistent sizes can affect texture and presentation. Aim for uniform slices of tomatoes, cucumbers, and radishes to create an appealing dish.
- Not letting flavors meld: Serving immediately can miss out on enhanced flavors. Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes after dressing to let the ingredients combine.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your summer salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep the herbed ricotta separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
Freezing Summer Salad with Herbed Ricotta and Balsamic Vinaigrette
- It is not recommended to freeze this salad as the vegetables will become mushy upon thawing.
- Instead, prepare only what you can consume within a couple of days.
Reheating Summer Salad with Herbed Ricotta and Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the salad on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes, but avoid direct heat on cheese.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short bursts of 20 seconds until just warmed through.
- Stovetop: Gently heat in a non-stick pan over low heat. Stir frequently until just warmed; do not cook fully.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a summer salad with herbed ricotta and balsamic vinaigrette vegan?
You can substitute the ricotta cheese with a plant-based ricotta alternative or blended tofu mixed with herbs. Use a vegan balsamic vinaigrette for dressing.
Can I use different vegetables in my summer salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your summer salad with herbed ricotta and balsamic vinaigrette by adding vegetables like bell peppers, avocados, or even grilled zucchini.
What are some good pairings for this summer salad?
This refreshing salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for added protein. It also complements crusty bread or pasta dishes nicely.
How long does this summer salad last in the refrigerator?
The summer salad will last for about 2 days when stored properly in an airtight container. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Final Thoughts
This summer salad with herbed ricotta and balsamic vinaigrette is not only vibrant but also versatile. You can customize it based on seasonal produce or personal preferences. Try it out today; it’s perfect for lunch or as a side dish at gatherings!
Summer Salad with Herbed Ricotta and Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Total Time: 14 minute
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of summer with our Summer Salad featuring Herbed Ricotta and Balsamic Vinaigrette. This delightful dish combines juicy heirloom tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and zesty radishes topped with a dollop of creamy herbed ricotta. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a light lunch, this salad bursts with freshness and is easily customizable to suit your tastes.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 pound heirloom tomatoes
- ½ English cucumber
- 6 radishes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Fresh herbs: basil, oregano, thyme
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese with chopped basil, oregano, and thyme; mix well and set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until combined.
- On a large platter, arrange tomato slices, cucumber slices, radishes, and onion; drizzle with dressing.
- Top the salad with chopped serrano pepper and dollop herbed ricotta over the top.
- Garnish with fresh basil and oregano leaves; serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Use fresh ingredients to enhance the flavor. Chill before serving for optimal taste. Customize by adding your favorite vegetables or nuts for added texture.