Vibrant Mozzarella and Walnut Spring Salad
Celebrate the freshness of spring with this vibrant salad that features a delightful mix of seasonal vegetables paired with creamy fresh mozzarella and crunchy walnuts. Perfect for a light lunch or a sophisticated side dish, this recipe is versatile—feel free to substitute or add your favorite vegetables to make it uniquely yours. The combination of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a hint of sweetness brings everything together, creating a nourishing and flavorful meal. Ideal for gluten-free, low-carb, and pesco-vegetarian diets, this salad is not just healthy; it’s a delicious way to embrace the bounty of nature's finest ingredients. For more wholesome recipes that promote inner harmony, visit www.InnerHarmonyNutrition.com.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Asparagus Spears
8 (Cut into 2-inch pieces)
Salad Greens
5 ounces (Fresh and washed)
Red Pepper
1/3 (Cut into strips)
Mushrooms
6 (Sliced)
Red Onion
1/4 (Sliced)
Fresh Mozzarella Balls
2 ounces (Small balls, drained)
Walnuts
1/4 cup (Raw, roasted, or candied)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (For dressing)
Balsamic Vinegar
2 teaspoons (For dressing)
Honey or Maple Syrup
1 teaspoon (For sweetness in dressing)
Salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Black Pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the asparagus pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Be sure not to overcook.
2
While the asparagus is cooking, prepare a bowl of ice water. Once the asparagus is cooked, immediately transfer it to the ice water to halt the cooking process. Let it cool for a few minutes, then drain.
3
On a large serving platter, lay down the salad greens as a base.
4
Evenly distribute the cooled asparagus, red pepper strips, sliced mushrooms, red onion, fresh mozzarella balls, and walnuts over the greens.
5
In a small mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until well combined.
6
Just before serving, drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, making sure to coat it nicely. Toss gently to combine, infusing the dish with love and care. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Vibrant Mozzarella and Walnut Spring Salad?
It is a fresh, seasonal salad featuring vegetables, creamy mozzarella, and crunchy walnuts, perfect for a light lunch or side dish.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include asparagus, salad greens, red pepper, mushrooms, red onion, fresh mozzarella balls, and walnuts.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
Is this salad suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this salad is ideal for those following a gluten-free diet.
Can I eat this salad on a low-carb diet?
Yes, this recipe is specifically noted as being suitable for low-carb diets.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, it is classified as a pesco-vegetarian recipe.
How should I prepare the asparagus?
Cut the asparagus spears into 2-inch pieces before cooking.
How long should the asparagus be boiled?
Boil the asparagus for 2 to 3 minutes until it is bright green and tender-crisp.
What is the purpose of the ice water bowl?
The ice water bath is used to immediately halt the cooking process of the asparagus, keeping it crisp.
What kind of salad greens are used?
The recipe calls for 5 ounces of fresh, washed salad greens.
How much red pepper is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/3 of a red pepper, cut into strips.
How many mushrooms do I need?
You will need 6 mushrooms, which should be sliced.
How should the red onion be prepared?
Use 1/4 of a red onion and slice it thinly.
What type of cheese is used in the salad?
The recipe uses 2 ounces of small, fresh mozzarella balls.
What kind of walnuts can I use?
You can use 1/4 cup of walnuts that are raw, roasted, or candied.
What ingredients are used for the dressing?
The dressing consists of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, salt, and black pepper.
How much olive oil is required for the dressing?
You will need 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
What type of vinegar is used for the dressing?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar.
Can I use a substitute for honey in the dressing?
Yes, you can use 1 teaspoon of maple syrup as an alternative to honey.
How do I mix the dressing?
Whisk the oil, vinegar, sweetener, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl until well combined.
When should I apply the dressing to the salad?
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving to ensure everything remains fresh.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and encourages you to substitute or add your favorite vegetables.
How do I assemble the salad?
Lay down the greens first, then distribute the asparagus, peppers, mushrooms, onions, mozzarella, and walnuts evenly on top.
What is the best way to toss the salad?
Toss the salad gently after adding the dressing to infuse the dish with care without bruising the ingredients.
How much salt and pepper should be used?
Salt and black pepper should be added to taste.
Is this salad meant to be served hot or cold?
It should be served fresh and cool, particularly after chilling the blanched asparagus.
What is the total count of ingredients used?
There are 12 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Where can I find more recipes like this?
You can visit www.InnerHarmonyNutrition.com for more wholesome recipes.
How many asparagus spears are required?
The recipe requires 8 asparagus spears.
What is the final step before eating?
The final step is to serve the salad immediately after tossing to enjoy the fresh flavors.