What better way is there to enjoy a warm Summer’s evening than with a delicious salad and a refreshing glass of Champagne? Transfer this scenario to the actual Champagne region in France. Now we are talking! This past weekend I was lucky enough to take part in such a road trip to this specific region and oh my was it amazing. Cycling through vineyards around Épernay with the most beautiful views, beginning the day with bubblies, exploring Champagne cellars, ending the day with bubblies, what more does one need for a Saturday? For all of you haven’t managed to make a brief escape in this direction: plan it and add it to your bucket list. Once you do go, don’t fill your car with too much of the golden bubbly goodness, as it’s cellar life is only 3 years after sale. So, if you have a lonely bottle at home sitting in the corner waiting for that special occasion, which you bought just under 3 years ago, it’s high time to invent that special occasion and indulge! And if I live in your proximity, don’t forget to invite me.

Below you will find a salad which, in my eyes, is a perfect accompaniment for a glass of your favourite Champagne. Apologies for the picture, it does not do the dish justice at all.

Proscuitto, Basil, Mozzarella and Fig Salad

serves 2

You’ll need
80g lettuce
4 pieces of proscuitto, roughly ripped into bite size pieces
3 large figs, quartered or cut into 6 pieces
1 packet of mozzarella, cut into bite size pieces.
1 bunch of basil
3 tsp olive oil
4.5 tsp balsamic vinegar
4.5  tsp maple syrup balsamic glaze
salt and pepper to taste

1. Wash the basil and rip the leaves off of the stalks.
2. Make your salad vinaigrette in a medium bowl by combining the olive oil, maple syrup and balsamic vinegar. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Toss the lettuce and whole basil leaves with the sauce.
4. Divide the lettuce/basil between two plates. Top with mozzarella, proscuitto and figs.
5. To finish the salad, generously drizzle with balsamic glaze. Dig in!

Rating: 9.5/10

An amazing simple summer salad, granted you find figs, which will definitely impress guests.