When the summer sun graces Britain, our palates crave something refreshing yet substantial - a dish that sings with seasonal produce while delivering complex flavours. Food writer and broadcaster Alice Zaslavsky has answered this call with her stunning strawberry stracciatella salad, a creation that promises to become your new warm-weather staple.
The Unlikely Pairing That Works Wonders
At first glance, strawberries and cheese might seem an unconventional match, but Zaslavsky's recipe reveals their natural affinity. "Strawberries have this incredible savoury quality that often gets overlooked," she explains. When paired with the luxurious creaminess of stracciatella - the delicate, shredded cheese suspended in fresh cream that forms burrata's heart - magic happens.
Deconstructing the Flavour Profile
This isn't your ordinary fruit salad. The combination creates a sophisticated balance that dances across the taste buds:
- Sweetness from ripe British strawberries at their seasonal peak
- Creamy richness from the decadent stracciatella cheese
- Salty crunch from quality sea salt flakes and toasted seeds
- Zesty brightness from the vibrant orange dressing
The Secret Weapon: Orange & Mustard Dressing
Zaslavsky's dressing elevates the dish from simple to spectacular. Rather than the traditional balsamic reduction, she opts for freshly squeezed orange juice enhanced with a touch of Dijon mustard, extra virgin olive oil, and subtle seasoning. "The citrus cuts through the richness of the cheese while complementing the strawberries' natural sweetness," she notes.
Why This Salad Will Become Your Go-To
Beyond its stunning visual appeal - a mosaic of red berries against white cheese flecked with green herbs - this salad offers practical benefits for home cooks:
- Quick assembly: Ready in under 15 minutes
- Minimal cooking: No oven required during hot weather
- Impressive presentation: Looks restaurant-worthy with minimal effort
- Versatile serving: Works as starter, side, or light main
Pro Tips for Perfect Execution
Zaslavsky shares her expert advice for getting the most from this recipe. Seek out the ripest, most fragrant strawberries you can find, as their quality makes or breaks the dish. When preparing the stracciatella, tear rather than slice it for a more artisanal appearance. Toast your seeds until golden to enhance their nutty flavour, and don't be shy with the fresh herbs - basil or mint both work beautifully.
This strawberry stracciatella salad represents everything modern British summer eating should be: seasonal, surprising, and utterly delicious. It's the kind of recipe that might just steal the show at your next garden party or al fresco dinner.
