Mozzarella and fig summer salad by Zara Janjua

This is the prefect summer salad for any occasion. Easily scaled up for a BBQ or party, this recipe can be a delicious side salad or healthy main.  Zara Janjua is a TV presenter and producer from Glasgow.

She is a food blogger and social media influencer and has cooked on STV alongside some of Scotland’s best chefs for four years. Coming from an Asian family she enjoys fusing flavours from Pakistan with the Mediterranean and Middle East.

For more information head over to Zara’s newly launched website and blog: www.zarajanjua.com

INGREDIENTS: Serves 2

1 x buffalo mozzarella
1 x large fig
1 x avocado
100g mixed cherry tomatoes
Green and black pitted olives
50g red onion
Handful of fresh basil
Handful of rocket
1 x small clove of garlic
2 tsp olive oil
1 tsp balsamic glaze
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper

METHOD

1 Slice the fig into eight pieces and place into a bowl.
2 Half the avocado and remove the flesh by scooping out with
a spoon. Chop each half into chunks and add to the bowl.
3 Cut the cherry tomatoes in half. Finely slice the red onion before placing it alongside the fig and avocado.
4 To make the dressing crush the garlic clove and use a jar to mix it with the olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
5 Shake the dressing well before pouring over the ingredients in the bowl and tossing well to cover all pieces evenly.
6 Add a small handful of rocket and a few basil leaves to the mix before placing onto a plate.
7 Place a sprinkle of mixed pitted olives to the plate. 
8 Drain the mozzarella before lightly tearing and placing in the centre of the plate and drizzle with the balsamic glaze.
9 Serve as main for one or sharing dish for two alongside fresh focaccia and a glass of Pinot Griego.

In association with Taste Communications, Scotland’s food and drink communications company www.tastecommunications.co.uk