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Arugola, Spinach and Strawberry Salad

Insalata d'Arucola, Spinaci e Fragole

Mary Ann Esposito

Serves 4

This arugola, spinach, and strawberry salad is a favorite of diners at the charming and innovative restaurant Osteria la Fontanina in Verona. It is a nice departure from the traditional insalata verde (mixed salad). The warm honey and balsamic vinegar dressing is a nice compliment to the spiciness of the arugola.

INGREDIENTS

1 teaspoon unsalted butter
1/4 cup pine nuts
2 cups arugola leaves, washed
2 cups spinach leaves, washed
1 cup thinly sliced fresh strawberries
1/4 cup diced citron
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons Filippo Berio Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS

In a small sauté pan, melt the butter and toast the pine nuts until they are lightly browned. Transfer the pine nuts to a small bowl and set aside.

If you have a salad spinner, spin dry the arugola and spinach leaves. Otherwise wrap the leaves in several layers of paper towels and squeeze on the towels to eliminate excess water. Tear the leaves into pieces and put them in a salad bowl. Add the strawberries, and citron.

Heat the honey and balsamic vinegar together in a small saucepan just until the honey melts. Transfer the mixture to a small bowl and whisk in the olive oil 1 tablespoon at a time until an emulsion is created. Stir in the salt.

Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Sprinkle the pine nuts over the top and serve immediately.

item recipe is featured in Episode 1105 of Season 11.

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