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Tomato, Basil and Bocconcini Salad
A fresh tomato salad with basil, bocconcini and a sharp balsamic-lemon dressing.
EASY
13 MINS
SERVES 4-6
ABOUT THE RECIPE
Tomato, basil and bocconcini salad only works if the simple things are doing their job properly. Juicy tomatoes, creamy bocconcini, basil and a sharp little balsamic-lemon dressing keep it fresh, while toasted sourdough gives the crunch. Best served straight away, before anyone steals the bread.
THE RECIPE
Ingredients
250g cherry tomatoes
Flaky sea salt
2 slices sourdough
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2½ tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
¼ tsp table salt
¼ tsp cracked black pepper
125g bocconcini, roughly torn
1 handful fresh basil leaves, torn
1 handful rocket
1 handful spinach
Balsamic glaze, to finish
Method
1.
Halve the cherry tomatoes and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt and gently toss. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to macerate, then drain any excess liquid if necessary.
2.
Heat a medium pan over medium heat. Toast the sourdough slices for around 1 minute per side until golden and crisp. Set aside to cool, then tear into bite-sized pieces.
3.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
4.
Add the basil and two-thirds of the bocconcini to the tomatoes. Pour over the dressing and gently toss to coat. Add the rocket and spinach and toss lightly again.
5.
Scatter the toasted sourdough pieces and remaining bocconcini over the salad. Drizzle balsamic glaze sparingly over the top for visual appeal and sweet bursts of flavor, then sprinkle a little flaky sea salt.
6.
Serve immediately to keep the greens crisp and the sourdough crunchy.
SAMANTHA'S NOTES
Choose ripe tomatoes
Macerate first
Add sourdough last
Let the tomatoes sit briefly with flaky sea salt to draw out their juices and intensify the flavour. It makes the whole salad taste brighter.
Toast the sourdough until golden and crisp, then add it right before serving. It gives the salad crunch without turning soggy.
Use ripe cherry tomatoes for the sweetest, juiciest flavour. Grape tomatoes also work if that is what looks best.
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