A fresh and vibrant ricotta salad featuring ripe tomatoes layered with creamy ricotta cheese and topped with a zesty gremolata, drizzled with olive oil for a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or refreshing appetizer.
Author:Linda
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:0 minutes
Total Time:10 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Salad
Method:No-Cook
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
4 medium tomatoes, sliced into circles
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
125 g ricotta cheese (about 1 cup, 5 oz)
Gremolata
1 garlic clove, grated
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 tablespoons chopped coriander (cilantro) or substitute with more parsley or basil
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Finishing Touches
2 tablespoons olive oil (to drizzle on top)
A pinch of ground black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes into circles and layer them evenly on a large serving platter. Sprinkle the tomatoes generously with half a teaspoon of good quality sea salt to enhance their natural sweetness.
Add the ricotta: Break the ricotta cheese into small chunks or crumble it gently, then spread these pieces evenly over the salted tomato layers to create a creamy contrast.
Make and sprinkle gremolata: In a small bowl, combine the grated garlic, chopped parsley, chopped coriander (or your chosen herb alternative), and lemon zest. Sprinkle this fresh, fragrant gremolata mixture evenly over the ricotta-covered tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
Finish the salad: Drizzle the salad with two tablespoons of high-quality olive oil to add richness and glisten. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of ground black pepper to enhance the complexity of flavors before serving.
Notes
Use ripe, firm tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.
For herb variations, basil or additional parsley can replace coriander as per preference.
This salad is best served fresh but can be chilled briefly before serving.
Pair with crusty bread or as a side to grilled meats for a complete meal.