This Balsamic Bocconcini Cherry Tomato Salad with Marinated Artichokes and Arugula packs a punch of flavour. Peppery arugula, balsamic bocconcini balls, marinated artichokes and fresh cherry tomatoes combine to make a salad you'll want to eat every day!
Looking for an Italian salad recipe? Look no further! This one has all the flavours of Italy!
Last month, I learned to love balsamic vinegar all over again. I've experimented with other vinegars, like apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, and champagne vinegar, but in some recipes like this Greek Chicken Watermelon Feta Bowl and now this Bocconcini Cherry Tomato Salad, balsamic vinegar is a must.
We spent some time in the Emilio-Romagna region of Italy during our last trip, home not only of Parma ham and Parmesan cheese, but also of authentic balsamic vinegar.
We toured a factory where traditional Parmigiano Reggiano is made and wandered through markets showcasing products made in this rich agricultural area.
This region of Italy, just north of Tuscany, is a paradise for foodies. We had a fabulous time trying out traditional foods and locally- produced wines. Modena is the home of the Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, a dark vinegar with a more-sweet-than-sour taste. It was the inspiration for this Italian Salad.
Next time you're shopping for balsamic vinegar, check the label.
If it includes the words "de Modena" you'll know it originated in this region and followed legally binding traditional procedures when it was made. (It's the good stuff!)
If we can't be there, we can at least enjoy the incredible flavours and products of this area of Italy!
This Delicious Italian Salad packs a punch of flavour!
- This Balsamic Bocconcini Cherry Tomato Salad has all those intense authentic Italian flavours and is an easy one to assemble.
- Whisk the marinade ingredients together and let the mini Bocconcini balls marinate for a few hours or even overnight.
- Then just mix the greens, drained marinated artichokes, cherry tomatoes and some green onion together in a large bowl.
- Add the Bocconcini balls just before serving.
- Drizzle the salad with a little of the leftover marinade.
Buon appetito!
Balsamic Bocconcini Cherry Tomato Salad
Ingredients
Marinade for Bocconcini Cheese Balls
- ⅓ cup Balsamic Vinegar de Modena
- ⅓ cup olive oil extra virgin
- 2 teaspoon fresh oregano leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 2 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 24 Bocconcini cheese balls
- 4 cups fresh arugula leaves
- 1 6-ounce jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained, (170 ml)
- 1 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 green onion, sliced thinly
Instructions
- Whisk marinade ingredients together in a small bowl. Add Bocconcini balls and let stand in refrigerator for 2 - 3 hours (or even overnight).
- Combine remaining ingredients in shallow platter.
- Just before serving, add drained Bocconcini balls. Drizzle the salad with a little of the marinade and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
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Bernice Hill
Love this salad. So fresh and tasty. I never think of adding artichokes...but they are so delicious. Pinned to my salad board.
Flavour & Savour
Thanks for pinning it, Bernice!
Sean
I love how you've got so many flavours going on in this salad! The array of veggie options all sound marvelous together, and I'm particularly glad you used arugula. But those balsamic bocconcini balls are particularly tasty looking! The vacation shots are wonderful too - makes me wish I was eating this on a terrace in Emilia Romagna!
Flavour & Savour
Thanks, Sean! I love arugula too. The older the arugula plants in my garden get, the spicier they become!
Maria
Balsamic Vinegar just makes everything better. I too can have this salad everyday 🙂 Beautiful pictures ...thanks for sharing.
Flavour & Savour
Thanks Maria! Yes, as I said, I've learned to love balsamic vinegar all over again. It really has a deep rich flavour that enhances food.
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices
I'm so glad you had a nice time in Italy, and yes Modena and the Emilia Romagna region is full of food delights, including the balsamic vinegar. In this bocconcini salad I'm sure it enhances all the wonderful flavors. I love this kind of salads for my summer lunches.
Flavour & Savour
Thanks Nicoletta. It's a gorgeous area of Italy, isn't it? Lots of farms and fabulous food!
Carrie
Oh my, have to try this one! Full of my favourites including balsamic vinegar and bocconcini. Can't wait to give this one a go - thanks for sharing!
Flavour & Savour
Thanks, Carrie!
Kari Peters
I love how you've shown some of your vacation pics in your recipes, it makes for such a great story to hear and see how the whole recipe came about! With the temperatures soaring, I'll be making this ASAP!
Flavour & Savour
Thanks Kari! I guess I'm still dreaming of Italian adventures!