Il Cucinologo
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Salad with Tuna, Mozzarella, and Bell Peppers

17/11/2023

The tuna, mozzarella, and bell pepper salad is a fresh and satisfying dish, perfect for a summer lunch or as a main course. Let’s take a look at the ingredients and the procedure together.

Ingredients

  • 150 g tuna in oil, drained
  • 250 g mozzarella (buffalo mozzarella for a more flavorful version), cut into cubes
  • 2 bell peppers (preferably one red and one yellow for a pop of color), roasted and cut into strips
  • Black olives to taste
  • Salted capers, rinsed, to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Balsamic vinegar or lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish
  • (optional) a few leaves of lettuce or mixed greens for the base

Preparation

  1. If you prefer to use roasted bell peppers, roast them in the oven at 200 °C until the skin begins to crack and blacken. Then, place them in a plastic bag for 10 minutes (this helps remove the skin), after which peel them and remove the seeds and internal filaments. Cut the bell peppers into strips.

  2. In a large bowl, combine the mozzarella cubes, drained tuna, and bell pepper strips.

  3. Add the black olives and capers according to your taste.

  4. Dress with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.

  5. Gently mix the ingredients so as not to break the mozzarella.

  6. Wash and dry the basil leaves. Tear the larger leaves by hand and add them to the salad.

  7. If you have chosen to include the mixed greens, arrange the base on the plate and then add the tuna, mozzarella, and bell pepper mix on top.

  8. Let it rest for a few minutes so the flavors meld. Serve immediately.

Fun Facts

Buffalo mozzarella is a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) product primarily from Campania. Compared to cow’s milk mozzarella, it has a richer flavor and a softer texture, making it perfect for fresh salads.

Enjoy your meal!