HIGH PROTEIN STRAWBERRY & MOZZARELLA SUMMER SALAD (THE ULTIMATE GARDEN PARTY & PICNIC SALAD)
Whether you're planning a Wimbledon watch party, packing up a picnic hamper, celebrating the Summer Solstice or hosting a garden gathering with friends and family, this high protein strawberry and mozzarella summer salad is guaranteed to impress.
Bursting with sweet British strawberries, juicy cherries, delicious mozzarella, crunchy almonds and fresh summer vegetables, it's the kind of colourful sharing dish that everyone will enjoy. While many salads leave you reaching for a snack an hour later, this one is packed with both protein and fibre, making it filling as well as enjoyable so it can be the star of the table rather than just a naff side dish.
The combination of mozzarella, hemp seeds, almonds and fibre-rich produce creates a salad that's as nourishing and satisfying as it is beautiful. Fresh, vibrant and full of seasonal flavours, it's the perfect make-ahead recipe for picnics, barbecues, garden parties and Wimbledon-inspired celebrations all summer long.
If you've spent any time browsing my recipes (like this one here or this super popular one), you'll know I adore combining sweet and savoury flavours, and this strawberry mozzarella salad is one of my favourite examples of why doing so creates the BEST salads ever. The sweet British strawberries and cherries pair beautifully with creamy mozzarella, crunchy almonds and refreshing cucumber, creating a colourful summer salad that's just so pretty to look at!
It's also the kind of summer salad recipe you'll make on repeat. Elegant enough for a Wimbledon-inspired garden party, yet simple enough to throw together for a family barbecue or weekend picnic, it's a versatile dish that works for almost any warm-weather occasion and is bound to be loved by everyone - young and old.
Is this a good salad for picnics?
I'd go so far as to say it's one of the best salads for picnics because it travels well (keep it in an airtight container and cool box, ideally), looks super impressive on the table (or picnic blanket!) and tastes even better when shared with people you love.
What can I substitute the mozzarella with?
If you'd prefer, you can swap the mozzarella for burrata, for a creamier result. Keep in mind though that burrata is made by filling an outer mozzarella shell with rich cream and soft curd, which dilutes the overall protein density, so if you're specifically looking for a high protein summer salad I'd recommend sticking with the original recipe as outlined below.
If it’s a plant based alternative you’re looking for, how about adding some cubed extra firm tofu instead? This will keep the protein levels up and add some new texture to your salad. No need to cook, just rinse and lightly press the tofu before cutting to remove excess liquid. You could even marinate it in the dressing while you prepare the rest of the ingredients to give it a flavour boost!
The combination of protein in this recipe with the fibre in the almonds, strawberries, cherries and peppers provides a wonderful balance, and makes it a satisfying and filling dish that will keep you well fuelled for the day’s activities.
Can I make this strawberry mozzarella salad ahead of time?
Yes! This makes a fantastic make-ahead salad. Simply prepare the ingredients a few hours in advance and assemble everything except the dressing. Then, just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad, mix well and serve.
Fresh, colourful and packed with protein and fibre, this strawberry mozzarella salad is the kind of summer salad you'll find yourself making on repeat throughout British strawberry season. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for picnics, garden parties, BBQs and Wimbledon-inspired gatherings alike.
If you make this recipe, I'd love to hear what you think. Leave a comment below or tag @thelittleplantation on Instagram so I can see your delicious creations!
HIGH PROTEIN STRAWBERRY & MOZZARELLA SUMMER SALAD (THE ULTIMATE GARDEN PARTY & PICNIC SALAD)
Preparation time: 12-15 minutes
Serves: 3-4 as a main dish
INGREDIENTS FOR strawberry and mozzarella SALAD RECIPE
350g strawberries, washed and chopped into slices and quarters
150g cherries washed, halved and pits removed
4 Padrón peppers (roughly 30-50g) (or one green pepper) roughly chopped, seeds removed
4 mini cucumbers or one regular cucumber (roughly 150g), washed and sliced
35g unsalted almonds, roughly chopped
2 mozzarella balls, drained and torn into 6-8 pieces each
a small handful of basil leaves, washed and roughly chopped
10-20 mint leaves washed and roughly chopped
1 heaped tbs hulled hemp seeds
ingredients for salad dressing
1/2 cup (125ml) extra virgin olive oil
3tbs (45ml) apple cider vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Place the chopped and sliced strawberries, cherries, peppers and cucumbers on a platter. Add the almonds and torn mozzarella, then sprinkle with the chopped herbs and hemp seeds.
Put the dressing ingredients in a separate bowl and mix together. Pour the dressing over the salad, mix well and enjoy!
Looking for more summer entertaining recipes? Why not try my strawberry rhubarb mocktail, this post on grilling corn without a grill, or my watermelon agua fresca mocktail.
