Search this blog...

Loading...

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Festa Italiana - I'm Bringing Hot Tomato and Mozzarella Salad


Finding La Dolce Vita and Proud Italian Cook are hosting the very fun Festa Italiana event. There will be a bounty of Italian dishes and drinks to share. Come and join the fun by clicking on their links to see the rules and submit your own favorite Italian recipe. You have until March 9 to join the fun.

One of my favorite salads is Caprese Salad...it's colorful, it's refreshing, it's delicious. On very hot days, we sometimes just have this salad for dinner along with some crusty bread with extra virgin olive oil for dipping and a glass of white wine (or two). But in the winter, we look for something a little more substantial and this hot version is just perfect.

The main ingredients are the same as for Caprese Salad...ripe plum tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese and fresh basil.


In four flameproof shallow dishes, arrange tomato and cheese slices in a circle, alternating as you go.


Scatter chopped red onion and chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the top. Whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, chopped herbs and salt and pepper and pour over the salads. The herbs I used for this one are basil, chives, oregano and parsley. Be creative!


Place the salads under a hot broiler for 4-5 minutes, until the mozzarella starts to melt. Grind over plenty of black pepper and serve.


Bon Appetit!


Hot Tomato and Mozzarella Salad

See Hot Tomato and Mozzarella Salad on Key Ingredient.

10 comments:

Maryann said...

ooo! I like this, Shirley! Thanks for joining us at the festa!
Maryann xox

a woman who is said...

This sounds so yummy!

My Carolina Kitchen said...

I saw your gorgeous salad at the Italian fiesta. What a nice party they are hosting.
I like the idea of using sun dried tomatoes. Sounds like it would give it some depth of flavor.
Sam

Proud Italian Cook said...

Shirley, Love your twist on the caprese salad! I'll be sure to try a big plateful of this at the festa!
Thanks so much for joining us!!
xox, Marie

Jamie said...

Wow Shirley, this is better than any Caprese Salad that I have ever seen! Love the addition of sun-dried tomatoes and that great sauce AND running it under the broiler. Yummy!

ann said...

Now this looks great.I don't particularly get a thrill from the cold cheese and basil .this i will definitely try.Gotta go to the store first.I'm out of fresh basil.
Thank you so much for the nice things you said about my blog.That is sooooo appreciated....Ann

Donna-FFW said...

This looks so delicious. I wish I had it in front of me right now. Sounds wonderful!!

Claudia said...

Caprese is my favorite salad (only make it in summer here). Yours look beautiful.

MaryBeth said...

Very interesting salad, I would not have thought to have it hot. The picture looks great!!

Cakelaw said...

Gorgeous - I love mozarella and fresh tomatoes together (I have a friend with an Italian husband). A perfect entry for Fest Italiana!