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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Strawberries and Fresh Mozzarella with Mint Pesto Drizzle


Strawberries and Fresh Mozzarella with Mint Pesto Drizzle | The Sweets Life
Strawberries and Fresh Mozzarella with Mint Pesto Drizzle 

The other day I mentioned our mint predicament, and how rampant it is in our herb “garden” right now. Although I’m still looking for more ways to use it up, I actually have a week full of mint recipes for you. Come back on Friday for an awesome appetizer that features mint and then starting next week I’ll cool it with the mint for at least a little while!
Pin ItStrawberries and Fresh Mozzarella with Mint Pesto Drizzle | The Sweets Life

I posted a picture of this salad on Instagram and said “Caprese goes rogue”. The fresh mozzarella is obviously the common denominator between the two, but the color scheme matches, which is good enough for me to draw a comparison. I’m hugely disappointed that I forgot the balsamic drizzle…I was caught up in getting the rest of the food on the table and that final step completely slipped my mind. A vinegary punch would have put this recipe over the top, but even as is it was a huge hit. Much as I love a true tomato – basil – mozzarella caprese, this version is a worthy competitor and a fun way to use up our excess of mint!

One Year Ago: Roasted Vegetable and Goat Cheese Omelets and Chicken & Vegetable Pressed Sandwiches with Goat Cheese and Pesto
Two Years Ago: Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Butterscotch Cookies and Zucchini Quiche
Three Years Ago: Buffalo Blue Cheese Dip and Spinach Salad with Nectarine, Blueberries, and Lime Balsamic Vinaigrette
Four Years Ago: Blueberry Crumb Bars and Mexican Couscous Dinner

Strawberries and Fresh Mozzarella with Mint Pesto Drizzle

Ingredients:
-1 lb strawberries, sliced
-1 tbsp sugar
-3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
-1 cup mint leaves, loosely packed
-1/4 cup dry-roasted almonds
-1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
-1 clove garlic
-1 lb fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
-1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Directions:
1. Toss strawberries with sugar in a medium-sized bowl. Cover and set aside.
2. Add olive oil, mint, almonds, Parmesan, and garlic to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until smooth.
3. Place mozzarella slices on a platter. Top with strawberries and drizzle with mint pesto. Finish with balsamic vinegar. Serve immediately.

slightly adapted from Family Circle Magazine, June 2011