Nectarine Salad with Rocket (Arugula) and a basil dressing
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Total Time
10 mins
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Servings
4 large servings, 6 smaller servings
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Calories
438 kcal
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Course
Salad
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Cuisine
International
Nectarine Salad with Rocket (Arugula) and a basil dressing
Description
Nectarine Salad with Rocket and a basil dressing brings together thinly sliced nectarines with peppery arugula and a combination of soft mozzarella and crumbly feta cheeses. The accompanying basil dressing is made by whisking fresh basil leaves, olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Optionally, the nectarines can be briefly soaked in a lemon water bath to keep their vibrant color. The resulting salad presents a fresh and slightly sweet profile with creamy and tangy notes from the cheeses and dressing, enriched by crunchy nuts such as pecans or walnuts.
The texture is a combination of juicy, crisp, creamy, and crunchy components. This salad works well as a refreshing starter or a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood. The method emphasizes fresh ingredients and a gentle tossing to combine flavors without overwhelming the delicate fruit slices.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 2 cups basil leaves, loosely packed
- 6 tablespoons olive oil virgin
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or vinegar of choice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- black pepper freshly ground
Salad
- 5 nectarines yellow flesh
- ½ lemon for lemon bath to stop discolouration, optional
- 125 grams mozzarella cheese ball, 4.5oz
- 100 grams feta cheese 3.5oz
- pecan small handful, or walnuts, chopped
- basil small handful, leaves
- arugula handful, aka rocket
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice the nectarines into thin slices, about 1cm (0.4") at the widest part.
- Optional step to preserve colour: Place all the slices in a shallow bowl and squeeze the juice from half a lemon over the nectarines.Add roughly 200ml of cold water, give it a stir and let the slices soak in the lemon bath for 3 minutes before draining well.**If you are serving the salad immediately, you can skip this step.
- Very finely chop the basil and add it, along with all the salad dressing ingredients, to a small bowl.
- Whisk the dressing ingredients together using a fork or a small whisk.Alternatively, you can add the ingredients to a small food processor and blend for a smoother consistency.
- Arrange half of the sliced nectarines on a large plate or platter.
- Tear off pieces of mozzarella and place them between and on top of the nectarines.
- Crumble over the feta cheese.
- Drizzle some of the salad dressing over the cheese and save the remainder to serve with the salad.
- Arrange the remaining nectarine slices on top of the cheese.
- Finally, sprinkle with chopped nuts and add a flourish of rocket and basil leaves.
- Serve with the salad dressing and provide salt and black pepper on the side.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4large servings, 6 smaller servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 438 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 438kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 23g | 8% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 34g | 52% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 19g | 95% |
| Cholesterol | 47mg | 16% |
| Sodium | 808mg | 34% |
| Potassium | 316mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 19g | 38% |
| Vitamin A | 1575IU | 32% |
| Vitamin C | 7mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 309mg | 31% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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