It’s only natural, I guess, that I’m favouring simple, fresh summer recipes. This salad shows how when you use good ingredients, they speak for themselves – minimal preparation is needed to make stellar meals in the warm months when produce is at its peak.
A perfectly ripe, fuchsia watermelon, buttery fresh mozzarella, fruity olive oil, fresh basil leaves and an easy-peasy two-ingredient balsamic reduction that is so yummy you’ll want to put it on your ice cream.
A word to the wise, here – when you’re simmering down your balsamic reduction, don’t multi-task. I walked away for a couple minutes and came back to a smoking, burnt caramel disaster. And then the air was heavy with vinegar in a way that burned our nostrils and made our eyes water.
I used a tablespoon measuring spoon to make melon balls the key is to dig in at an angle, then twist your wrist – don’t try to scoop in a line like you would ice cream. Feel free to substitute ripe tomatoes, peaches, nectarines or other melon here – they’d all be delicious!
I’m not a big “salad-for-lunch” person unless it’s got a hearty grain or some chicken/fish/beans to fill me up, but the thick slices of mozzarella are very hearty and satisfying. With a baguette, this could easily be a light lunch for four.
Watermelon and Basil Salad with Homemade Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 cups watermelon 1-inch balls or cubes
- 1 fresh mozzarella ball 260 g / 9 oz, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- olive oil for drizzling, about 3 tbsp
- flaky salt such as Maldon
- freshly cracked black pepper
- basil leaves torn
Instructions
- Simmer the balsamic vinegar and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced to a thick syrup (any consistency between maple syrup and honey is fine). Watch closely as it reduces — it can burn quickly.
- Divide the watermelon and mozzarella slices among four plates. Drizzle with olive oil, then with the balsamic reduction. Finish with a good sprinkle of salt and pepper and lots of torn basil leaves.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
