Capricciosa Salad

The capricciosa salad is a fresh and versatile dish, perfect for a light but satisfying meal. Here is the recipe in the Italian style.

Ingredients

• 150g mixed salad greens (for example, lettuce, arugula, radicchio)
• 100g cooked ham cut into strips
• 50g fontina, emmental or other stretched-curd cheese, cut into cubes
• 80g artichoke hearts in oil, drained and halved
• 70g pitted black olives
• 4-5 cherry tomatoes, halved
• Canned sweet corn in water, drained (amount as desired)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar or lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste.

Preparation

1. Wash the salad under running water, gently dry it (possibly with a salad spinner) and place it in a large salad bowl.
2. Add the cooked ham cut into strips and the cheese cut into cubes.
3. Incorporate the artichoke hearts, black olives, and halved cherry tomatoes.
4. Add the previously drained sweet corn.
5. Prepare the dressing by emulsifying extra virgin olive oil with balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust the proportions according to your personal taste.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well to evenly coat all the ingredients.
7. Taste and, if necessary, adjust the salt and pepper before serving.

Fun Facts

The capricciosa salad, like many Italian composed salads, leaves ample room for creativity. It is not uncommon to find variations with additions such as hard-boiled eggs or anchovies. It is a dish adaptable to seasonal availability and personal tastes, while maintaining a base of typically Italian ingredients that give it a unique and recognizable flavor.