Food writer and broadcaster Alice Zaslavsky has unveiled what might be summer's most dazzling salad creation - a strawberry stracciatella combination that reimagines Italian cheese in spectacular fashion.
The Italian Classic Reinvented
Stracciatella, the creamy heart of burrata cheese, meets its perfect match in sweet British strawberries and peppery basil leaves. Zaslavsky's innovative approach transforms this traditional Italian component into something entirely new and exciting for the summer table.
The Zesty Orange Dressing That Ties It All Together
The magic truly happens with Zaslavsky's vibrant orange dressing, which combines freshly squeezed orange juice with extra virgin olive oil, creating a citrusy emulsion that cuts through the richness of the cheese while enhancing the strawberries' natural sweetness.
Why This Combination Works So Perfectly
The creamy stracciatella provides a luxurious, milky base that contrasts beautifully with the juicy strawberries.
Fresh basil leaves add that essential herbal note that bridges the sweet and savoury elements.
The orange dressing acts as the unifying element, bringing acidity and brightness to every component.
More Than Just a Salad - A Summer Centrepiece
This isn't just another side dish. Zaslavsky positions her strawberry stracciatella salad as a showstopping centrepiece that's surprisingly simple to assemble. The combination of textures and flavours creates a dining experience that feels both sophisticated and refreshingly simple.
"The creaminess of the stracciatella against the burst of strawberry and the sharpness of the orange is what summer tastes like," Zaslavsky suggests, capturing the essence of this innovative dish.
Perfect for British Summer Entertaining
With British strawberry season in full swing, this recipe arrives at the perfect moment for summer entertaining. It requires minimal preparation but delivers maximum impact, making it ideal for everything from casual garden lunches to more formal dinner parties.
The recipe demonstrates how a few quality ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly extraordinary that celebrates the best of summer produce.