Healthy and Delicious Barese Salad Recipe
As a home chef and party enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that can impress my guests but don’t require too much time in the kitchen. That’s why I’m excited to share with you my recipe for Barese Salad, a fresh and delicious Italian dish that is perfect for summer gatherings.
Coming from the region of Puglia, in south Italy, this salad is also known as Salad Crudaiola or Alla Barese. It combines fresh vegetables, pasta, and eggs into a colorful and filling dish that will be sure to delight everyone around your table.
Not only is Barese Salad easy to prepare, but it’s also a versatile option for any occasion. You can serve it as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood, or enjoy it as a main course by adding some sausage or shrimp to the mix. The possibilities are endless, so let’s get started on this tasty adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons why you’ll fall in love with this Barese Salad recipe. For starters, it’s an incredibly versatile salad that can be served as a main dish or a side dish, perfect for any occasion or gathering. It’s also filled with wholesome ingredients that are not only good for you, but are packed with flavour.
The recipe features tender orecchiette pasta, tender green beans, crisp iceberg lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and sautéed chicory greens – all tossed together in a tangy vinaigrette of extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. The flavours come together to create a refreshing and hearty meal that is satisfying yet light.
And let’s not forget about the protein-packed eggs scattered throughout the salad that add a touch of creaminess to every bite. Plus, the Barese sausage can easily be added for extra flavour.
What makes this Barese Salad recipe truly special is its rich Italian heritage. It’s said to have originated from Bari, a town located in the Puglia region of southern Italy. This cuisine is known for its fresh seafood and simple ingredients which are incorporated into its recipes to make them healthier and tastier.
So if you’re looking for an authentic Italian dish to serve at your next party or event, or just want to impress with a delicious salad – this Barese Salad recipe is the way to go!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for Barese Salad, an Italian dish that combines the deliciousness of fresh vegetables with pasta salad. Make sure you have everything in place before starting to cook.
For the salad:
- 4 cups of iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 1 cup of green beans, ends trimmed and halved
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and sliced
For the dressing:
- 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
For the pasta salad:
- 1 pound of orecchiette pasta
- 2 cups of cold water
- 2 teaspoons of salt
The recipe calls for simple ingredients that come together deliciously, bringing out the flavors in each ingredient. Make sure to use quality ingredients – this will make a difference in taste.
The Recipe How-To
Before combining all the ingredients, it is important to do some prep work. First, cook the orecchiette pasta as per package directions, adding a few pinches of salt while cooking. Drain the water and rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process before letting it cool.
Next, we will blanch the green beans in boiling water for about 4-5 minutes to soften them up.
For the unleavened bread or focaccia barese, slice it into bite-size pieces and soak them in water for a few seconds.
Finally, portion your recipe components – chop the romaine lettuce or iceberg lettuce, slice hard-boiled eggs, and halve cherry tomatoes.
Making the Salad
Firstly place your focaccia barese slices on a large salad platter. Pour generous drizzling of extra virgin olive oil over it then covers it with generous amount of sliced romaine lettuce.
Pour a prepared orecchiette pasta (cooked earlier) on top of this bed of lettuce.
Layer green beans that were soaked earlier on top of iit. Arrange sliced hard-boiled eggs evenly then add cherry tomatoes that were halved.
Sprinkle some salt and freshly ground black pepper by taste preference.
Gently mix all ingredients together until well combined.
Dressing
For this salad recipe, I’d like to offer you two dressings options to choose from:
- The first is meaty and tangy – combine crushed garlic cloves fresh lemon juice along with drippings from freshly cooked Italian sausage.
- Or if you prefer lighter dressing you can opt for a lemon vinaigrette: mix together freshly squeezed lemon juice along 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil and a tablespoon of sugar-free Dijon mustard.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad components and toss gently until well combined.
Serving Suggestion
This salad can be enjoyable in many ways, to best experience alla barese salad serve chilled with crunchy Italian-style bread like cialda barese or alongside classic pastry dishes such as tiella barese or tuscan panzanella also crispy on its own.
This Barese salad is not just suitable for your usual everyday meal plan but an elegant choice for gatherings or large parties due to its visual aesthetic appearance when served in a large platter at dinner tables.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to this Barese Salad recipe, there are plenty of options for substitutions and variations to switch things up and add your own personal touch. Here are some ideas to consider:
– Pasta: While orecchiette pasta is a classic option for the Barese Salad, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer or have on hand. Penne or fusilli are great alternatives that work well with the other ingredients in the salad.
– Green beans: If you don’t have green beans, try substituting them with asparagus, snap peas or even edamame for a different texture and flavor.
– Lettuce: Instead of iceberg lettuce, use Romaine or mixed greens for a healthier twist or go for something more bitter like Swiss chard or chicory greens to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
– Protein: For added protein, try swapping the eggs with another option like canned tuna or shredded chicken. You can also add crumbled feta cheese, diced salami or prosciutto to make it more substantial.
– Dressing: While the recipe calls for a simple mixture of extra virgin olive oil, salt and black pepper, you can vary it with a balsamic glaze or vinaigrette for extra tanginess. Or mix in some mustard or honey to add more depth of flavor to the dish.
– Additions: There are endless variations to this salad such as incorporating cherry tomatoes, olives, capers, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! With so many possible combinations, you might stumble upon your new favorite version of this perfect summer pasta salad!
Serving and Pairing
Barese Salad is a delightful Italian delicacy that can be served on any occasion. Its unique combination of fresh vegetables, pasta, and beans make it a perfect side dish that can also work as a complete meal. When serving Barese Salad, you should remember to toss it well so that every ingredient is coated in extra virgin olive oil and seasoned with salt and black pepper.
This salad pairs beautifully with Focaccia Barese or Grilled Bread. The salty flavor of the bread will perfectly complement the fresh taste of the Barese Salad. You can also pair the salad with other Italian recipes such as Caprese Salad or Italian Seafood Salad.
For those who love pasta dishes, serving Orecchiette Pasta with Barese Salad is a great idea. The soft texture of pasta complements well the crunchiness of the vegetables and beans in the salad, making a satisfying experience for your taste buds. If you prefer more substantial meals, you can add some sautéed Barese Sausage or grilled chicken breasts to this salad to make it more filling.
A great way to serve Barese Salad during warm months would be alongside a glass of chilled white wine. An excellent pairing would be Pinot Grigio, which is known for its crisp acidity and citrus aroma that will refresh your palate while complementing the freshness of Barese Salad.
You can also serve Barese Salad on its own as a light summer lunch or dinner option. The combination of green beans, lettuce, and cherry tomatoes makes this dish healthy and nutritious without compromising on flavor.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When hosting a gathering or preparing a dish for a busy week, it’s helpful to know how to make-ahead, store, and reheat your dishes properly. The Barese Salad Recipe is no exception.
To make-ahead: You can prepare the components of the salad ahead of time and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Cook the orecchiette pasta and sauteed chicory greens as directed, and let them cool to room temperature. Cook the eggs and blanch green beans until tender but still crisp. Slice the cherry tomatoes and assemble everything together right before serving.
To store: If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Before storing, be sure to separate any dressings or sauces from the rest of the ingredients, as these might affect the texture and flavor of the ingredients overnight.
To reheat: If you want to reheat the salad, gently warm each component individually on medium heat on a non-stick pan for a few seconds until they are hot but not mushy. Avoid reheating everything in one go as this may lead to overcooking certain ingredients while others remain cold.
The beauty of this Barese Salad Recipe is that it can also be served cold, making it perfect for picnics or outdoor gatherings during warmer months. To serve cold, refrigerate all ingredients separately and assemble just before serving.
Always remember to handle your food with care and maintain cleanliness when preparing leftovers. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy this delicious Barese Salad Recipe even after it has cooled down.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve a perfect Barese Salad recipe, it’s essential to use high-quality ingredients and follow the recipe’s instructions precisely. As a home chef who loves throwing parties, I have some tips that will help you create a delicious and eye-catching salad that your guests will love.
Firstly, be generous with seasoning the salad. Use freshly ground black pepper and salt to bring out the flavors of the vegetables and pasta. When sautéing the chicory greens or green beans, season them lightly with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural taste.
Secondly, do not overcook the orecchiette pasta. Cook according to package instructions for an al dente texture. Overcooking the pasta can cause it to become mushy and affect the salad’s overall texture.
Thirdly, dress the salad just before serving. I recommend adding a mixture of virgin olive oil and extra virgin olive oil for added flavor complexity. The virgin oil has a higher smoke point, making it perfect for sautéing and frying, while extra-virgin olive oil adds a distinct flavor that complements the dish’s ingredients.
Fourthly, take care when chopping vegetables like iceberg lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and other ingredients in the Barese Salad recipe. Ensure that they are similar in size and shape to create a visually appealing finish.
Finally, consider playing around with various elements in this salad recipe. You can add sausage pasta greens or Italian seafood salad for variation or swap chicory for swiss chard for an added punch of flavor.
By following these tips for making a perfect Barese Salad recipe, you’ll ensure that your guests enjoy every bite and ask for more.
Bottom Line
With the Barese Salad Recipe, you can bring some authentic Italian flavors to your next gathering. This salad is a perfect balance of fresh vegetables, creamy eggs, and flavorful sausage. It’s easy to prepare and looks beautiful on any table. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting, this recipe is sure to impress.
By using high-quality, fresh ingredients like extra virgin olive oil and locally-sourced veggies, you can create a wholesome and delicious dish that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
So why not give this Barese Salad Recipe a try? Your friends and family will be sure to love it. Plus, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported straight to Italy with every bite.
Barese Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 -5 cups iceberg lettuce, rinsed and bite size pieces
- 3/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice (no subs)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 eggs, hard boiled sliced
- salt
- black pepper, lots
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients and toss gently.
- Shouldn't be floating in the dressing and the lettuce must be cold and crisp.
- Enjoy.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!