Greens with Watermelon and Strawberries

(Originally posted in May of 2014)

Ciao! We just returned from the most fabulous trip to Italy. I have never been to Europe so my husband planned a trip for my 52nd birthday…which happened to fall on Mother’s day. We started our vacation in Rome. It is a very romantic city with narrow streets, charming old apartment buildings with terraces, balconies and window boxes spilling over with flowers, and of course some pretty delicious food. I came home inspired by the sights, the ambiance and the friendly, beautiful people! So inspired in fact that I came up with a new salad recipe that reminds me of Rome. The colors, the romance, the flavor…this is The Organic Kitchen “Roma Salad”.
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Rome: Land of Beauty, but Salads? Not so  much!

It may be surprising to you that Italy doesn’t have a whole love of variety when it comes to salad. Every restaurant  we visited in the city, whether a casual cafe or a swanky establishment offered only greens in a bowl with a bottle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil on the side so you could dress the salad yourself. Nothing fancy, maybe if you got lucky there would be sliced carrots and a tomato wedge. I have to to say I missed my amazing salads! But the lack of salad was more than made up for by the fabulous breads, pasta and grilled vegetables we ate at almost every meal!

Greens with Watermelon and Strawberries:

While Rome didn’t have the best variety when it came to salads, it did have fresh delicious produce sold at street markets. And that is where I got the inspiration for this beautiful summer salad. Sweet strawberries, refreshing crisp watermelon, salty feta cheese and roasted pine nuts come together to make a simple, but delicious salad that is quick and easy to make!

White Balsamic or Traditional? It’s Up to You!

I give you two choices of dressing for this salad. Both are balsamic vinaigrettes! I prefer an olive oil and white balsamic vinaigrette. It’s smooth, fresh and light, perfect for spring and summer. But you can also use a traditional balsamic for a richer flavor. Totally up to you!

Toss it All Together and Voila!

A gorgeous Italian inspired salad that’s even the colors of the Italian flag! Enjoy freinds!

More From Italy!

To see our all our stops in Italy, click! Capri, Florence, Tuscan Countryside, Venice and Burano!

Greens with Watermelon and Strawberries: The Roma Salad

Tips and what you will need: White Balsamic (I use Prelibato by Malphigi) or a  traditional balsamic . A good sea salt is always recoemmended! (I use Maldon Flaked Sea Salt) Affiliate links.

I came home inspired by the sights, the ambiance and the friendly, beautiful people! So inspired in fact that I came up with a new salad recipe that reminds me of Rome. The colors, the romance, the flavor…this is The Organic Kitchen “Roma Salad”.

Course:

Salad

Cuisine:

Italian

Keyword:

easy lunch recipe, light recipe, weeknight dinner

Servings: 4 servings

Author: Linda Spiker

For salad:

• 2
  cups
  baby arugula
• 1 1/2
  cups
  watermelon, diced small (1/2″)
• 1 1/2
  cups
  sliced strawberries
• 1/4
  cup
  roasted pin nuts
• 1/3
  cup
  crumbled feta
• 6-8
  mint leaves, chopped

Dressing

• 1/3
  cup
  Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 3
  Tablespoons
  White Balsamic or Traditional Balsamic Vinegar
• 1
  pinch
  sea salt
• a few turns freshly ground pepper

Salad:

1. Place all ingredients on a platter or in a bowl, dress to your liking, toss, finish with a pinch or two of sea salt.

Dressing:

1. Place all ingredients in a container and shake or whisk.

MAY I PLEASE ASK A FAVOR?