An Italian Summer Dream: Mango & Mozzarella Salad with Basil

I still remember the first time I tasted this salad. It was years ago, a humid Roman summer evening, and my partner’s dear friend, Giorgio, a true native, had invited us for dinner. I’d confessed my deep love for Italian cuisine, but also my rather unusual aversion to raw tomatoes, a staple that often leaves me feeling… uninspired. Giorgio, with a twinkle in his eye and a knowing smile, simply said, “Ah, then you haven’t had my summer salad.” What followed was a revelation – a vibrant, unexpected symphony of sweet, creamy, and fragrant notes that utterly captivated my palate and forever changed my perception of what a simple Italian salad could be. This dish is far more than a recipe; it’s a memory etched in sunshine, friendship, and the sheer joy of discovering something truly delicious.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 1 salad
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity, relying on the inherent quality of just a few select ingredients.

• 1 ripe mango
• 1 ball buffalo mozzarella
• 24 fresh basil leaves
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Salt, very little, to taste

Ingredient Notes:

• Mango: For the best flavor and texture, choose a mango that yields slightly to gentle pressure and has a fragrant aroma. Varieties like Ataulfo (champagne) or Alphonso are wonderfully sweet and less fibrous.
• Buffalo Mozzarella: Opt for genuine mozzarella di bufala. Its creamy, slightly tangy flavor is essential to the dish. If unavailable, a high-quality fresh mozzarella ball will suffice, though the depth of flavor will be slightly different.
• Basil: Use the freshest, most fragrant basil you can find. The aroma is a key component of this salad.

Equipment Needed

• A sharp knife for peeling and cutting
• A cutting board
• A serving platter or individual plates

Instructions

The preparation of this Italian Mango Salad is a testament to the Italian philosophy of letting excellent ingredients shine with minimal intervention.

1. Prepare the Mango: Begin by peeling the ripe mango. Once peeled, carefully cut the flesh away from the pit and then into approximately 24 or more little pieces. The size should be consistent with the mozzarella pieces you’ll cut next, aiming for bite-sized portions.
2. Prepare the Mozzarella: Gently drain the buffalo mozzarella from its liquid. Cut the mozzarella into similarly sized little pieces, aiming for roughly the same quantity and size as the mango pieces.
3. Assemble the Salad: Artfully arrange the mozzarella pieces on top of the mango pieces on your chosen serving platter or individual plates. You can do this by alternating them, or by placing a piece of mozzarella atop each piece of mango, creating small, inviting towers.
4. Add the Basil: Take a fresh basil leaf and place it delicately on top of every mozzarella-mango arrangement. This adds a final aromatic flourish and visual appeal.
5. Dress the Salad: In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil and the fresh lemon juice. Whisk them together briefly to emulsify.
6. Season and Serve: Sprinkle the dressing evenly over the assembled mango and mozzarella pieces. Finish with a generous grinding of fresh black pepper and a very, very little sprinkle of salt – the mozzarella and mango already provide natural salinity and sweetness, so restraint with the salt is key to maintaining balance. Serve soon to enjoy the salad at its peak freshness.

Expert Tips & Tricks

This salad is a masterclass in effortless elegance. To elevate it even further:

• Temperature is Key: Ensure your mango and mozzarella are well-chilled before assembling. This salad is best served cool, as the chill accentuates the refreshing qualities of both fruits and cheese.
• The Art of the Cut: Aim for uniformity in your mango and mozzarella pieces. This not only makes the salad visually appealing but also ensures a balanced bite every time.
• Basil Placement: Don’t just scatter the basil. Placing a single, perfect leaf on each tower adds a touch of culinary artistry. If some leaves are very large, you can gently tear them in half.
• Dressing Balance: The lemon juice provides essential acidity to cut through the richness of the mozzarella and sweetness of the mango. Taste your dressing before adding it; if your mango is exceptionally sweet, you might lean slightly more towards the lemon.
• The Salt Question: I cannot stress this enough: use salt sparingly. A tiny pinch is all that’s needed. The goal is to enhance, not overpower, the natural flavors.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This salad is designed to be enjoyed immediately. Its vibrant flavors and delicate textures are at their best when freshly prepared.

• Serving: Present this salad on a clean, white platter to highlight its beautiful colors. A few extra basil leaves scattered around the base can add to the visual appeal. It makes for a stunning appetizer or a light, refreshing side dish during warm weather meals.
• Storage: This salad is not meant for storage. The mango will soften and the mozzarella can become watery if left to sit for too long, especially after being dressed. If you absolutely must prepare components ahead of time, peel and cut the mango and keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Drain and cut the mozzarella and keep it separate. Prepare the dressing and store it in a small, sealed container. Assemble and dress only just before serving. Leftovers are generally not recommended.

Nutritional Information

Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delightful Italian Mango Salad. Please note that these values can vary based on the exact size and ripeness of the fruit and the specific brand of mozzarella used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	144.2 kcal
Calories from Fat		66 %
Total Fat	10.6 g	16 %
Saturated Fat	1.5 g	7 %
Cholesterol	0 mg	0 %
Sodium	1.7 mg	0 %
Total Carbohydrate	13.2 g	4 %
Dietary Fiber	1.6 g	6 %
Sugars	11.6 g	46 %
Protein	1.2 g	2 %

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is perfect in its simplicity, a few thoughtful additions can offer a delightful twist:

• A Hint of Spice: For those who enjoy a little warmth, a very finely minced red chili (seeds removed) can be scattered sparingly over the salad.
• Citrus Zest: A touch of lime zest in addition to the lemon juice can add another layer of bright, aromatic complexity.
• Crunch Factor: Toasted slivered almonds or pistachios could be added just before serving for a textural contrast, though this moves slightly away from the minimalist Italian approach.
• Herb Variety: While basil is traditional, a few sprigs of fresh mint or cilantro could offer an interesting, unexpected herbal note, particularly in warmer climates.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: It’s best to assemble and dress this salad just before serving to maintain the freshness of the mango and mozzarella.

Q: What kind of mango is best for this salad?
A: A ripe, sweet, and non-fibrous mango like an Ataulfo or Alphonso variety works wonderfully.

Q: My mozzarella is quite watery. What should I do?
A: Gently pat the mozzarella dry with paper towels before cutting it to remove excess moisture.

Q: Can I substitute buffalo mozzarella?
A: A high-quality fresh cow’s milk mozzarella can be used, but it will offer a slightly different flavor profile.

Q: How much salt should I use?
A: Use salt very sparingly, as the mozzarella and mango already have natural salinity. A tiny pinch is usually sufficient.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Mango Salad is a testament to the fact that some of the most memorable dishes are born from the simplest of ingredients, treated with respect and imagination. It’s a dish that speaks of summer, of sunshine, and of the joy found in fresh, vibrant flavors. I encourage you to try it, to let its unexpected harmony surprise and delight you. Serve it as a light starter to a summer barbecue, or as a refreshing accompaniment to grilled fish or chicken. Share it with friends, and watch their faces light up with the same delicious wonder that I first experienced. Buon appetito!