So, you’ve got your Panera Bread Summer Strawberry Caprese Salad ready to go—bold flavors, vibrant colors, and a fresh twist. Now, what do you pair it with? Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal experience:
A thick slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for scooping up those delicious layers of salad. It complements the creaminess of the mozzarella and the sweetness of the strawberries.
For those looking to add some protein, a simple grilled chicken breast seasoned with lemon and herbs pairs beautifully with the salad. It keeps things light and fresh.
A tall glass of freshly squeezed lemonade adds a zesty contrast to the rich flavors. The drink’s acidity will perfectly balance the sweetness of the strawberries.
There’s something exhilarating about summer. The sun shines brighter, the days stretch longer, and fresh produce floods the markets. Just thinking about berries, heirloom tomatoes, and fragrant basil makes my taste buds tingle.
That’s why the Panera Bread Summer Strawberry Caprese Salad captures the very essence of this joyful season. It’s vibrant, light, and absolutely refreshing.
This salad isn’t just a dish; it’s a celebration of summer.
Whether you’re at a picnic, hosting a barbecue, or just enjoying a quiet meal on your patio, this salad stands out. Yet, what makes this seemingly simple dish so appealing? Let’s dig deeper.
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What is Panera Bread Summer Strawberry Caprese Salad?
The Panera Bread Summer Strawberry Caprese Salad is a delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad. It combines fresh mozzarella, beautiful strawberries, sweet cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil.
Drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze, it’s a delightful burst of flavors. It captures the essence of summertime and adds just the right amount of sweetness.
Why This Recipe Works
What makes this salad so special? Here are several reasons that set it apart from run-of-the-mill salads:
Flavor Fusion: The sweetness of fresh strawberries mingles perfectly with ripe tomatoes. This unique combination creates a beautiful contrast that excites the palate.
Nutritional Balance: This salad is packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh veggies and fruits. Spinach and basil add antioxidants, while mozzarella provides calcium and protein.
Visual Appeal: The bright reds, greens, and whites create a stunning visual presentation. Your guests will appreciate the aesthetics as much as the taste.
Versatile Dish: This salad can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a light meal. It’s adaptable, allowing you to be creative or practical depending on what you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish
- 2 cups chopped crisp romaine lettuce
- 2 cups tender baby arugula
- 4 ounces mini fresh mozzarella balls (also called bocconcini)
- 1 cup ripe, sliced strawberries
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 10 fresh basil leaves, thinly chiffonade
- 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- A pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling, to taste
How To Make This Panera Bread Summer Strawberry Caprese Salad
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Collect all your ingredients on the counter. This step not only organizes your kitchen but makes cooking feel a bit like a culinary adventure.
Step 2: Prepare Your Greens
Start by washing the romaine lettuce and arugula thoroughly. Rinse, then dry using a salad spinner if you have one. If not, pat them dry gently with paper towels. This prevents watery salad dressing.
Step 3: Slice Strawberries and Tomatoes
Next, slice your strawberries and halve the cherry tomatoes. Aim for uniform sizes; this ensures an even blend of flavors with every forkful.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine your romaine and arugula. Add the sliced strawberries, halved cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls. Gently toss them together. You want everything to be evenly distributed without crushing the delicate ingredients.
Step 5: Add Fresh Basil and Nuts
Sprinkle the fresh basil leaves and toasted pine nuts over the salad. The basil not only adds flavor but also releases a lovely fragrance.
Step 6: Drizzle with Dressing
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil and honey. Drizzle this over your salad, followed by a few pinches of sea salt and cracked black pepper. Finally, top it off with a balsamic glaze drizzle for a beautiful finish.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately, or chill for a few minutes to let the flavors meld. This salad is best enjoyed fresh but still tastes great after a little refrigeration.
Tips & Tricks
Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for the freshest produce. This makes a remarkable difference in flavor.
Balsamic Reduction: For added depth, consider simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens into a syrup. It adds an intense flavor profile.
Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella is classic, try goat cheese or feta for a different taste.
Add Crunch: For an extra crunch, consider adding sliced radishes or crunchy cucumber.
Make Ahead: Prepare the ingredients in advance, but dress the salad right before serving. This ensures the greens stay crisp.
How Do You Store the Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them wisely. Place the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy it again.
This prevents the salad from getting soggy. Consume leftovers within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
What Sides Would Complement Panera Bread Summer Strawberry Caprese Salad?
Grilled Vegetables: The smoky flavor of grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant complements the freshness of the salad beautifully.
Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad served cold with a citrus dressing adds a hearty texture and protein boost.
Fruit Platter: Keep things light and fresh with a vibrant fruit platter. Think watermelon, blueberries, and peach slices.
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients If They Are Not Present in Your Kitchen?
Mixed Greens Instead of Romaine or Arugula: Feel free to swap in any salad greens you have at home, like spinach or kale.
Regular Mozzarella Instead of Bocconcini: If mini mozzarella balls aren’t available, just chop up a larger mozzarella ball.
Walnuts as a Pine Nut Substitute: If pine nuts are too pricey or unavailable, walnuts provide a similar crunch.
Maple Syrup Instead of Honey for Sweetness: If you need a vegan option or you’re out of honey, maple syrup can work well in a pinch.
Equipment
- large bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped crisp romaine lettuce
- 2 cups tender baby arugula
- 4 ounces mini fresh mozzarella balls also called bocconcini
- 1 cup ripe sliced strawberries
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 10 fresh basil leaves thinly chiffonade
- 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts new addition for a nutty crunch
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey new addition to balance flavors with a touch of sweetness
- A pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
- Collect all your ingredients on the counter. This step not only organizes your kitchen but makes cooking feel a bit like a culinary adventure.
Step 2: Prepare Your Greens
- Start by washing the romaine lettuce and arugula thoroughly. Rinse, then dry using a salad spinner if you have one. If not, pat them dry gently with paper towels. This prevents watery salad dressing.
Step 3: Slice Strawberries and Tomatoes
- Next, slice your strawberries and halve the cherry tomatoes. Aim for uniform sizes; this ensures an even blend of flavors with every forkful.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine your romaine and arugula. Add the sliced strawberries, halved cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls. Gently toss them together. You want everything to be evenly distributed without crushing the delicate ingredients.
Step 5: Add Fresh Basil and Nuts
- Sprinkle the fresh basil leaves and toasted pine nuts over the salad. The basil not only adds flavor but also releases a lovely fragrance.
Step 6: Drizzle with Dressing
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil and honey. Drizzle this over your salad, followed by a few pinches of sea salt and cracked black pepper. Finally, top it off with a balsamic glaze drizzle for a beautiful finish.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve immediately, or chill for a few minutes to let the flavors meld. This salad is best enjoyed fresh but still tastes great after a little refrigeration.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
It’s best to use fresh strawberries, but if you only have frozen, thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the salad.
Can I add proteins like chicken or beans?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken or chickpeas can provide added protein, making this salad more filling.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Omit the cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it plant-based.
Is it possible to meal prep this salad?
Yes, you can prep the individual ingredients a day in advance but avoid dressing it until you’re ready to eat.
Can I add different fruits?
Of course! Apples, peaches, or blueberries are fantastic additions too.
Can I serve this salad warm?
While this salad is best enjoyed chilled, you can lightly warm the vegetables if you prefer a warm salad edition.
Conclusion
The Panera Bread Summer Strawberry Caprese Salad is an irresistible dish that brings the flavors of summer to your table. It’s colorful, flavorful, and perfect for various occasions. Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch or a side at a summer gathering, this salad impresses every time.
So, gather your ingredients, and let the colors of summer inspire you. Trust me; a little while spent on this salad will result in a burst of joy for your taste buds. After all, there’s nothing quite like indulging in fresh, seasonal produce. Now, go ahead and celebrate summer with a bowl of this delightful salad!
