Recipe: Prawn & Fresh Greens Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

We wait all year for summer weather to be able to grill our dinner outside. That grand stretch in the evening really makes it feel like stolen time. Charlie Mahon Ceramics Pottery’s iconic Mackerel collection is a reminder of those beach picnics, fishing trips, and days on the lake that capture our hearts. To bring that to your table, here is our recipe for a Prawn & Fresh Greens Salad with Basil Vinaigrette. 

Prawn & Fresh Greens Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

For the Basil Vinaigrette:

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar (adjust to taste)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Salad:

• Fresh prawns, peeled and deveined
• Fresh mixed greens (lettuce, lambs lettuce, arugula, spinach, etc.)
• Capers
  
• Red onion, very thinly sliced
• Croutons or toasted sunflower seeds (optional, for added crunch)
  

Directions: 

1. In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, olive oil, white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard. Blend until smooth and well combined. Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper to taste.

2. In a bowl, toss the prawns with a little of the basil vinaigrette. Allow them to marinate in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavours.

3. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, capers, and red onion. Toss the salad ingredients gently to mix.

4. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat (or grill outside if you prefer). Add the marinated prawns to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are opaque and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them, as prawns cook quickly.

5. Arrange the cooked prawns on top of the mixed greens and veggies in the large serving bowl.

6. Give the basil vinaigrette a good shake or stir to make sure the ingredients are well combined. Drizzle a generous amount of the basil vinaigrette over the salad.

7. If desired, sprinkle croutons or toasted sunflower seeds over the salad for extra crunch. Serve the prawn and fresh greens salad immediately, preferably on one of our Mackerel collection plates. Enjoy the refreshing combination of flavours and textures!

This basil vinaigrette adds a delightful herbal and tangy kick to the prawn and fresh greens salad, enhancing the natural flavours of the ingredients. Feel free to adjust the quantities of the ingredients according to your taste preferences and the number of servings you're preparing. 

We just love serving seafood on our Mackerel collection tableware. Each piece is handmade from white earthenware clay, hand-painted with our iconic Mackerel design, and beautifully finished with a high-gloss glaze before being twice fired by award-winning Irish ceramic artist Charlie Mahon. All of our Irish pottery is made here in Cork, Ireland and is microwave and dishwasher safe.