Salad Queen

I’ve mentioned it before, and I’m saying it again, I love salad! But I love salads off the beaten path. Full of fruits, and vegetables, easy on the dressings, and heavy on the “I’m actually enjoying this” rather than “I chose the healthy option”. I’ve always loved a traditional caprese salad but have found myself disappointed when the balsamic glaze has been sweetened way too much or the tomatoes are flavorless. My Melon Caprese Salad contains the perfect balance.

Allow Nature

Caprese salads are simple. Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. ANYBODY can create this. The only thing that can make or break this is the ingredients. Please let nature impress you by making this salad when the tomatoes and cantaloupe are in season. The best tasting produce will almost always be at your local farmers market.

A Sweet Balance

As mentioned before I find balsamic glaze to be too sweet on occasion. My recipe uses a basic balsamic vinaigrette without the addition of any sugar or syrup. However, I do add a sweet component to this salad with the addition of cantaloupe. The higher quality your balsamic vinegar, the richer and sweeter the taste will be. I usually opt for the smaller bottles and read the ingredients. The best balsamic vinegars will not contain caramel color.

Vinaigrettes

Have you ever been to a restaurant that served you bread with a plate of olive oil and a dab of balsamic vinegar floating in the middle? Vinegar and oil do not mix. However, a vinaigrette dressing is a mixture of oil and vinegar. How does this work? You are making what is called an emulsion (when two substances which do not mix together are combined). This is made possible through the addition of an ingredient which will bind them together, in this recipe it is mustard. In addition, a vigorous whisk or shake will merge these substances together. The traditional method is as written in my recipe using a whisk. I usually will put the ingredients into a squeeze bottle, cover the spout with my finger and vigorously shake to mix them together. You may also use a food processor or immersion blender. Linked is the immersion blender I own. KitchenAid KHB2351CU 3-Speed Hand Blender – Contour Silver, 8 inches (Paid link)