Spring in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland is all about fresh produce, warm afternoons, lush rainforest and taking a little more time to enjoy the simple things.
And when it comes to spring cooking, we love recipes that feel fresh and generous without requiring hours in the kitchen. This asparagus, burrata and crispy prosciutto salad is exactly that.
It is colourful, naturally gluten free and perfect for a long lunch, a lazy afternoon on the deck or a romantic dinner for two. Think tender asparagus, sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh peas, creamy burrata, crispy prosciutto, fragrant herbs and a bright lemon dressing. It is simple, but feels a little bit special.
Why we love this recipe for spring
There is something about spring that makes lighter, fresher meals feel right. After the cooler months, we start craving bright flavours, fresh herbs and plenty of colour on the plate. This salad brings all of that together, with the creaminess of burrata balanced by lemon, fresh greens and sweet roasted vegetables, and, of course, not without the crispy prosciutto.
It is also an easy recipe to adapt depending on what is fresh and available, making it perfect for a relaxed Hinterland lunch.
Gluten-Free Asparagus, Burrata & Crispy Prosciutto Salad
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1 large handful of rocket
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 1 punnet cherry tomatoes
- 1 large ball of burrata
- 4 slices prosciutto
- Fresh basil
- Fresh mint
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons toasted pistachios or almonds, optional
For the lemon dressing:
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Method
1. Roast the vegetables
Preheat your oven to 200°C.
Place the asparagus and cherry tomatoes on a baking tray. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Roast for around 10 to 15 minutes, until the asparagus is tender and the tomatoes are beginning to soften and caramelise.
2. Prepare the peas
Cook the peas briefly in boiling water until bright green and tender.
Drain and rinse under cold water to stop them cooking further.
3. Crisp the prosciutto
Place the prosciutto on a lined baking tray and bake for approximately 5 to 8 minutes, until golden and crisp.
Keep an eye on it as it can go from perfectly crisp to overdone quickly.
Allow to cool slightly, then break into smaller pieces.
4. Make the dressing
Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, honey and Dijon mustard.
Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Taste and adjust the lemon or honey depending on how bright or sweet you like your dressing.
5. Build your salad
Arrange the rocket across a large serving platter.
Add the roasted asparagus, cherry tomatoes and peas, followed by plenty of fresh basil and mint.
Place the burrata right in the centre.
Scatter the crispy prosciutto over the top and finish with toasted pistachios or almonds if using.
Drizzle generously with the lemon dressing.
Serve immediately.
Make it part of a Hinterland afternoon
Imagine picking up a few beautiful ingredients locally, heading back to your cottage and preparing lunch together before sitting outside with a glass of something chilled. No complicated cooking, paired with a bottle of your favourite locally sourced bottle of wine, or Prosecco served chilled to your door. Just good food, good company, fresh air, delicious food, and the rainforest surrounding you.
A few simple swaps
The beauty of this salad is that you don’t need to follow it too rigidly.
Try adding:
- Fresh avocado
- Strawberries for a little extra sweetness
- Grilled peaches when they’re in season
- Soft goats cheese instead of burrata
- Toasted walnuts instead of pistachios
- Grilled chicken if you’d like to make it a more substantial meal
Spring at Lovestone
For us, spring is one of the loveliest times to experience the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. The mornings are warming up, the rainforest is lush and green, and there is a little more time to enjoy the outdoors.
It’s the perfect season for a slow morning walk, a long lunch, an afternoon exploring Montville and then returning to your private cottage for a spa bath as the sun begins to disappear behind the trees.
Welcome to spring at Lovestone. 🌿🤍
