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Description
A festive and spooky Halloween salad featuring mixed greens, creative vegetable and cheese decorations, and a flavorful balsamic vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- 4-6 cups mixed greens (spring mix, baby spinach, arugula)
- 6 large black olives (plus 2 for eyeballs, optional)
- 3-8 cherry tomatoes, halved (look for orange or red-green ombre mix)
- 3-6 button mushrooms, sliced into ‘skulls’ (optional)
- 6-16 marinated mozzarella balls (pearl-sized for ‘eyeballs’ or for skulls if using molds)
- 1 tablespoon basil pesto (for mozzarella eyes, optional)
- 1 large carrot, shaved into thin ribbons (optional)
- Fresh black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce (secret ingredient, optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Mozzarella Eyeballs/Skulls (optional additions):
- For Eyeballs: Slice 2 large black olives into small pieces for pupils. Affix a small piece of black olive to the center of each marinated mozzarella ball with a tiny dot of pesto.
- For Skulls: Slice button mushrooms and make small indentations to resemble skulls.
- For Mozzarella Skulls (requires mold): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Blot mozzarella balls dry. Place one mozzarella ball in each mold. Bake for 8-10 minutes until soft. Remove and press mozzarella into crevices with a spoon. Chill until firm, then pop out.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, sugar, soy sauce (if using), and salt. Whisk or shake until combined. Set aside.
- Assemble the Salad: Place the mixed greens in a large salad bowl or on a serving platter. Add the cherry tomato halves and carrot ribbons (if using).
- Drizzle some of the prepared dressing over the mixed greens and toss to coat.
- Artfully arrange the prepared mozzarella eyeballs/skulls, mushroom skulls, and black olives over the salad, ensuring they peek out between the lettuce leaves.
- Season with fresh black pepper to taste. Serve immediately with additional dressing on the side.
Notes
- The mozzarella skull preparation requires an oven and molds, so plan accordingly.
- Using ombre cherry tomatoes adds an extra visual element for Halloween.
- The soy sauce in the dressing is a secret ingredient that adds a subtle umami depth.