Simple Tricolore Salad
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This tricolore salad is the definition of the phrase ‘more than the sum of it’s parts’. We have 5 deliciously fresh ingredients (4 if you exclude oil) which come together to form the most balanced and light starter.
Table of Contents
Why you’ll love this recipe
This tricolour salad is a classic for a reason. Here are some of the reasons it’s gonna blow your socks off.
Fresh – sometimes a fresh salad doesn’t have to include water-dense salad leaves. This ‘insalata tricolore’ feels so refreshing whilst feeling different to a standard side salad/starter.
Light – the tomatoes cut through the richness of the mozzarella & avocado with it’s vibrant acidity.
Flavorful – minimal ingredients with bold flavours as a result.
No cook – It’s always music to my ears when I can whip up a starter with no cooking required in the blazing heat!
Need inspiration for some other yummy salad recipes? Try my ; Greek Chicken Salad, Halloumi Caesar Salad and The BEST Prawn Salad Recipe (in just 10 minutes)
What is a Tricolore Salad
A tricolore salad, otherwise known as ‘Insalata Tricolore’ is a mediterranean salad which originated in Italy. The three colours of the tomato, avocado and mozzarella mimic the colours of the Italian flag.
Traditionally you pour extra virgin olive oil over the three ingredients but in some regions they serve a balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. I’ve gone for the classic (yet offective) EV olive oil topping as I think it allows the ingredients to shine through, rather than drawing the focus on the dressing.
What’s the difference between Tricolore salad caprese salad?
Caprese salad is traditionally made with buffalo mozzarella and heirloom tomatoes. Tricolore on the other hand has avocado, completing the colours of the Italian flag (red, white and green).
If you have leftover mozzarella , consider making one of these delicious recipes; Easy Tomato Tuna Pasta Bake, Cheesy Gnocchi Bake or Pizza with Black Olives and Capers
Ingredients
Mozzarella – I use regular mozzarella here (not low moisture) as the flavour and texture is perfect for this tricolore salad recipe.
Tomatoes – go for on-the-vine tomatoes if you can, these have more flavour.
Avocado – ripe and ready baby!
See the recipe card for full information on all ingredients and quantities.
How to make a simple tricolore salad
- Thinly slice the tomatoes using a serrated knife or a very sharp knife. Wipe your knife and chopping board clean, then slice the mozzarella into thin slices (Image 1).
- Slice the avocado in half and remove the pip. Then, slice each half of the avocado into thin pieces, slightly angelling your knife diagonally (Image 2).
3. Peel the skin off for the best finish and slice the avocado (Image 3).
4. Then slice the mozzarella into round slices (Image 4).
5. Arrange the mozzarella, avocado and tomatoes into a swirl on each plate, ensuring you keep to the same order (Image 5).
6. Add a swirl of extra virgin olive oil and top with fresh basil, a generous sprinkle of flakey salt and a crack of black pepper (Image 6).
Here are a few other comforting pasta meals for you to try after the salad ; Roasted Brussels Sprout Pasta, Sausage and Fennel Pasta and Easy Boursin Cheese Baked Pasta
Tips for the best result
- Make your salad when you’re just about to eat. Luckily it only takes 10 minutes so you won’t miss out too much!
- Season with flakey salt to serve. I love the flavour and also the texture.
- If possible, go high quality with your tomatoes!
- Try to match the size of your tomatoes with your mozzarella for the most visually appealing combo!
FAQs
A caprese salad requires tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella. Whereas tricolore has 3 elements that are required, with the addition being an avocado.
I think the lettuce would detract from the flavour of the 3 primary ingredients and it would no longer be a tricolore salad. However, you could make a lettuce salad and be inspired by the flavours of tricolore salad by adding tomatoes, avocado and mozzarella. I just wouldn’t call it tricolore/
How do you keep the avocado from browning?
Slice just when you’re about to serve to eat.
You can! Some people love to do this. I prefer a simple oil and salt topping to allow the ingredients to shine through but people who looove balsamic would definitely love it on a tricolore
Need inspiration for some main meal recipes? Try my ; Air Fryer Steak Bites, Chicken Meal Prep and Mini Chicken Pot Pies
If you tried this Simple Tricolore Salad recipe, it would be mean so much to me if you could leave a review & a star rating to let me know how you found it! I love hearing about your experiences – it motivates me to keep creating more and more recipes for you guys 💛 Let’s get cooking! – Mimi x
Simple Tricolore Salad
Ingredients
- 250 gram (2 balls) of mozzarella (£1.10x2)=(£2.20)
- 2 small avocados, thinly sliced (£1.60)
- 8 on-the-vine tomatoes, thinly sliced (£1.25)
- Fresh basil leaves, torn to serve (£0.60)
Cupboard Essentials
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt & Pepper
Method
- Slice the avocado in half and remove the pip. Then, slice each half of the avocado into thin pieces, slightly angelling your knife diagonally. Peel the skin off for the best finish.
- Thinly slice the tomatoes using a serrated knife or a very sharp knife. Wipe your knife and chopping board clean, then slice the mozzarella into thin slices.
- Arrange the mozzarella, avocado and tomatoes into a swirl on each plate, ensuring you keep to the same order. Add a swirl of extra virgin olive oil and top with fresh basil, a generous sprinkle of flakey salt and a crack of black pepper.
Notes
- Make salad just before eating.
- Season with flakey salt for flavour and texture.
- Opt for high-quality tomatoes.
- Match tomato size with mozzarella to make the dish look beautiful!
Nutrition
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