Strawberries are not just for dessert. They are also stunning in salads, lending sweet acidity to the peppery earthiness of greens. In this case, strawberries are jumbled with arugula as a topping for bruschetta. Creamy, lemon flecked ricotta anchors the salad to the bread, while a balsamic vinaigrette dresses the dish. Hello Spring!
Strawberry Ricotta Bruschetta with Lemon and Arugula
Be sure to use a fresh ricotta for this recipe. A creamy, mild goat cheese may be used in place of the ricotta. Makes 2.
2 large strawberries, hulled, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 slices peasant or levain bread
Extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt
1/4 cup fresh ricotta or mild goat cheese, room temperature
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1/2 cup arugula leaves, washed and dried
Freshly ground black pepper
Toss the strawberries and balsamic vinegar together in a small bowl; set aside. Preheat oven broiler. Brush bread slices with olive oil. Sprinkle with a little salt. Broil in the oven until golden brown, turning once.
Smear the ricotta over the bread slices. Sprinkle with lemon zest. Pile arugula on the bruschetta. Remove the strawberries from the vinegar, shaking off excess liquid, and arrange over the arugula. Whisk 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a pinch of salt into the remaining vinegar. Drizzle over and around the bruschetta. Garnish with black pepper.
I’m so glad to see a post on the savory possibilities of strawberries. I recently ate sushi at a place that included strawberry in many of its rolls. It was a lovely accent to the often mild fish.
Yum…I think you just inspired me to make a salad with the same ingredients 🙂
Hmmm….I’ve had strawberries in a salad before, but never quite like this. Love the contrasting colors, textures and tastes here, a winner for sure! – S
I hope you try it!
Nice idea – we recently had a salad with chicken that included strawberries and had a citrus-y dressing. Your recipe reminds me to use them in savory dishes. It is SO strawberry season now.
A salad with chicken and strawberries sounds lovely.
Oh my! Looks heavenly, and the photos are perfection…
Well I know what I want for lunch…. your colorful, flavorful and healthy bruschetta! Lovely photos too!
That looks great!
Thanks for reminding me how much I love the sweet-savory taste of strawberry brucshetta. Your photos are gorgeous!
Oh, I am in love.
I really really like the colors in your photos!
Thank you!