Marry Berry Gardener’s Delight is made with ripe tomatoes, avocado, crème fraîche, pesto, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls. This recipe creates a fresh, colorful salad ideal as a starter. It takes about 25 minutes to prepare and serves 4.
Marry Berry Gardener’s Delight Ingredients
- 6 large ripe tomatoes
- 1 large ripe avocado
- 4 heaped tbsp crème fraîche
- 3 tbsp fresh green pesto
- 12 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 200g (7oz) small mozzarella balls
- Small bunch of basil
- Balsamic glaze, to finish
- Olive oil, to finish
How To Make Marry Berry Gardener’s Delight
- Skin the Tomatoes: Boil water, score tomato bases, simmer 30 seconds, chill in cold water, peel, and slice thickly.
- Prep the Avocado: Peel and slice the avocado thinly.
- Layer the Base: Spread crème fraîche and pesto in each bowl, season, and arrange sliced tomatoes on top.
- Add Avocado & Cherry Tomatoes: Distribute avocado slices and halved cherry tomatoes among the bowls.
- Toss Mozzarella Balls: Mix mozzarella with remaining pesto and divide between bowls.
- Garnish and Finish: Add basil, drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
Recipe Tips
- Tomato Prep: Skin the tomatoes up to 6 hours in advance to save time.
- Presentation Tip: Use shallow pasta bowls for a more refined presentation.
- Flavor Boost: Use homemade pesto for richer flavor.
- Make Ahead: Assemble up to an hour before serving and chill.
- Avocado Caution: Add avocado last to prevent browning.
What To Serve With Gardener’s Delight
This vibrant salad pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, or a sparkling water with lemon. It also complements grilled meats or light pasta dishes.
How To Store Gardener’s Delight
Refrigerate:
Store assembled salad in the fridge for up to 1 hour before serving. For best freshness, store ingredients separately and assemble just before eating.
Freeze:
Not suitable for freezing due to the fresh dairy and avocado.
Gardener’s Delight Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 340
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, but fresh homemade pesto offers better flavor and aroma.
Do I have to skin the tomatoes?
It’s optional, but skinning enhances the texture and presentation of the salad.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes, substitute dairy items with plant-based alternatives like vegan mozzarella and dairy-free crème fraîche.
How do I prevent avocado from browning?
Add it just before serving and optionally toss in lemon juice.
Can I use other cheese types?
Yes, burrata or fresh ricotta can work as creamy alternatives.
Marry Berry Gardener’s Delight Recipe
Description
A garden-fresh salad layered with creamy crème fraîche, juicy tomatoes, and herbaceous pesto, perfect for warm days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Skin and thickly slice the large tomatoes.
- Peel and thinly slice the avocado.
- Spread crème fraîche and pesto in bowls, season with salt and pepper.
- Layer with tomato slices, avocado, and cherry tomatoes.
- Toss mozzarella in remaining pesto and add to each bowl.
- Garnish with basil, drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
- Finish with rock salt and black pepper.
Notes
- Use ripe, firm tomatoes for best slicing and flavor.
- Assemble no more than an hour in advance to preserve texture.
- Basil leaves should be fresh and added just before serving.
- Use a serrated knife for cleaner tomato cuts.