I’m an advocate for savoring the finest flavors each season brings. One such flavor is the refreshing and sweet taste of Fresh mozzarella, with watermelon and balsamic drizzle in the height of summer. While I usually champion for buying whole fruits and preparing them oneself to be cost-effective, watermelon stands as an exception to this rule.
Purchase
Purchasing pre-cubed watermelon grants you the freedom to indulge in this seasonal delight at any given moment, bypassing the chore of carving. Despite the slightly higher cost, the convenience and immediate accessibility of this succulent fruit make it a justified indulgence.
Now, imagine a simple yet sophisticated treat that comes together in less than a couple of minutes. This delicacy is so elegant that it wouldn’t be out of place in a royal banquet. In addition to the watermelon, if you find yourself with some basil at your disposal, feel free to sprinkle some on top, adding an aromatic twist to your creation. Alternatively, you can substitute the watermelon with ripe tomatoes for a quick and delightful take on the classic Caprese salad. However, if you choose to remove the rind of a watermelon, here’s how: Easy Way to Remove Watermelon Rind
Choice
And when it comes to the choice of balsamic, my allegiance lies with the Fini Modena Organic. It’s a high-quality option that enhances the dish without burdening your budget, proving itself to be a wonderful value choice. Trust me, this combination of ripe watermelon (or tomatoes) and quality balsamic is an experience worth savoring.
The Recipe
The salt and pepper in this recipe are optional. They are typically added to enhance the flavors of the ingredients, but if you’re following a low-sodium diet, or if you simply prefer not to use them, you can certainly leave them out. The recipe will still have plenty of flavors from the watermelon, mozzarella, balsamic drizzle, and optional mint.
the olive oil is also optional. While it adds a bit of richness and helps the other flavors meld together, you can absolutely create this recipe without it.
Presentation
The presentation options for this recipe are numerous. Use the kabob method or a salad presentation. Whichever you prefer is fine.
Healthy Benefits
- Watermelon: Watermelon is more than 90% water, which makes it a great choice for hydration. It’s also rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin C and vitamin A (in the form of beta carotene). In addition, watermelon is a good source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
- Mozzarella: Mozzarella is high in protein, calcium, and vitamin B12. It’s also a good source of phosphorus and selenium. Moreover, mozzarella made from whole milk contains a good amount of healthy fats.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Balsamic vinegar is low in calories and may help lower cholesterol, reduce hypertension, and stabilize blood sugar levels. It also has antioxidant properties due to its content of polyphenols.
- Honey: Honey is rich in antioxidants which can help to fight inflammation in the body. It also has antimicrobial properties.
- Mint (optional): Mint is a good source of vitamin A, and it’s well-known for its digestive benefits. It also has antimicrobial and antiviral properties, and it can provide a calming effect.
- Basil (optional) : Basil is packed with antioxidants, compounds that protect the body against oxidative stress and inflammation. These include flavonoids that protect white blood cells responsible for immune function, as well as other cell structures where DNA is stored. Basil is rich with vitamins A and C and also good for cardiovascular health.
Fresh Mozzarella with Watermelon and Balsamic Drizzle
Ingredients
- 1 fresh cut prepackaged watermelon cubes or 1 small ripe watermelon cut into 1-inch cubes (about 3 cups)
- 1 lb fresh mozzarella cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt optional
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste optional
- 2 tbsp olive oil optional
Instructions
- Start by preparing your balsamic drizzle. In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey. Stir until they are fully mixed.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the mixture is reduced by half, about 15 to 20 minutes. The balsamic drizzle should be thick and syrupy by the end. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, gently toss the watermelon cubes, fresh mozzarella cubes, and chopped mint leaves (if using).
- Drizzle the olive oil over the watermelon and mozzarella, then season with the salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss again gently to mix well.
- Arrange the watermelon and mozzarella on a platter or individual plates or use skewers.
- Finally, drizzle the cooled balsamic reduction over the salad just before serving.
Delicious!