This salad looks, smells and tastes like summer, which makes my heart so happy. This is the most satisfying salad to eat on a hot summer evening because of the cooling fresh balance of nectarines, heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. This salad also has such a satisfying crunch. All of these products are fresh in season in the northern hemisphere. Notice what the freshness taste like. Follow you intuition if you need to make any modifications to this recipe (ie. using GF bread, vegan cheese or remove the stone fruit). Notice what thoughts and memories come alive when you make this salad. Notice what parts of your heart, mind and body this salad nourishes. Notice how the shapes and sizes of the different ingredients taste and feel.
Ingredients: ( around 4-6 servings)
2 semi hard nectarines
2 large heirloom tomatoes
8 oz fresh organic mozzarella
~10 basil leaves
Balsamic glaze or vinegar
High quality olive oil
1/4 day old baguette
Salt & pepper to taste (Himalayan salt is my favorite)
Directions:
As you wash and dry the nectarines, tomatoes and basil, take a moment to send gratitude to these fresh produce and all the hands that helped these ingredients get to you in this moment.
Pre-heat oven to 415F.
Chop the day old bread into 1/2 inch cubes and place on a baking pan. Lightly drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper. Place in the oven to toast for 5-10 minutes. Make sure they get to a light brown color where they are crunchy, but not burnt. Let them cool completely.
Chop the nectarines in 1/2 inch cubes—notice urges to eat the nectarine as you chop.
Chop the tomatoes into 1/2 inch cubes—notice the patience and focus it takes. What mind state do you experience?
Chop the mozzarella into 1/2 inch cubes—feel the texture and notice the smells.
Slice the basil into thin pieces.
Place all of the ingredients (beside the bread) into a big bowl. Gentle mix together and add a big splash or olive oil and balsamic. Add the bread and sprinkle a little more salt & pepper if needed. Gentle mix together and enjoy immediately. (If you want to wait to serve this salad, make sure to wait to add the bread at the very end so that it doesn’t get too soggy).
Enjoy the tastes of summer dancing on your tongue and belly.