SALAD DAYS

Spring is here.

Bring on  fresh, vital, new fare.

Put colour on my plate.

Celebrate the beginning of the strawberry season with this colourful and original salad. 

Chose your strawberries with care. Don't be afraid to put your nose down to business. Avoid the large, attractive strawberries which are often completely flavourless. I go for Gariguette. Less beautiful than their Spanish cousins but sweet, juicy and flavour-exploding.

One of my favourite food marriages is strawberry and cherry tomato. First tasted in Italy, this salad is the very essence of Spring.

Strawberry and Cherry Tomato Salad with Basil and Mint

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh strawberries, cleaned and halved

2 tablespoons finely scissored mint

2 tablespoons finely scissored basil

1 tablespoon good quality olive oil

1 tablespoon ages balsamic vinegar

1/2 teaspoon Malden salt ( or sea salt/Fleur de Sel)

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Place strawberries, cherry tomatoes, oil, vinegar, salt and pepper in a bowl. hand toss gently. leave to marinate 10 mins before serving. Sprinkle with mint and basil before serving.