Nectarine Salad with Rocket (Arugula) and a basil dressing

This crowd-pleasing nectarine salad is a beautiful ensemble of bright reds, oranges and greens that promises to instantly liven up any table.It offers an ideal harmony of flavours, combining the sweetness of ripe nectarines, the savoury notes of mozzarella and feta cheese and the peppery freshness of rocket. Tying it all together is a delicious basil vinaigrette, quick to whip up and far superior to any store-bought dressing.

📝 Ingredients

• 2 cups basil leaves, loosely packed
• 6 tablespoons virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar (or vinegar of choice)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 5 nectarines (yellow flesh)
• 1/2 lemon (optional) (for lemon bath to stop discolouration)
• 125 grams (4.5oz) mozzarella ball
• 100 grams (3.5oz) feta cheese
• small handful pecan or walnuts, chopped
• small handful basil leaves
• handful rocket (arugula)
• salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Slice the nectarines into thin slices, about 1cm (0.4") at the widest part.
2. 2Optional step to preserve colour: Place all the slices in a shallow bowl and squeeze the juice from half a lemon over the nectarines.Add roughly 200ml of cold water, give it a stir and let the slices soak in the lemon bath for 3 minutes before draining well.If you are serving the salad immediately, you can skip this step.
3. 3Very finely chop the basil and add it, along with all the salad dressing ingredients, to a small bowl.
4. 4Whisk the dressing ingredients together using a fork or a small whisk.Alternatively, you can add the ingredients to a small food processor and blend for a smoother consistency.
5. 5Arrange half of the sliced nectarines on a large plate or platter.
6. 6Tear off pieces of mozzarella and place them between and on top of the nectarines.
7. 7Crumble over the feta cheese.
8. 8Drizzle some of the salad dressing over the cheese and save the remainder to serve with the salad.
9. 9Arrange the remaining nectarine slices on top of the cheese.
10. 10Finally, sprinkle with chopped nuts and add a flourish of rocket and basil leaves.
11. 11Serve with the salad dressing and provide salt and black pepper on the side.