Tense Pétanque Salad

Name: Tense Pétanque Salad
Yield: 4 people
Ingredients: 200 g arugula; 2 red bell peppers; 250 g cherry tomatoes (round); 2 balls mozzarella (about 250 g total); 1 red onion; 1 lemon; 4 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp honey; 1 small red chili pepper; salt and pepper

Based on:

TypeSalad

Serves4 people

DateOctober 24, 2026

Neat rows of mozzarella and tomato as pétanque balls, with a sharp vinaigrette that brings the tension to the plate.

A sharp, tangy salad with neat rows of mozzarella and tomato balls mimicking pétanque balls, on a bed of arugula. The fiery vinaigrette and grilled peppers add tension and heat, just like the protests and confiscated balls.

Ingredients

200 g arugula
2 red bell peppers
250 g cherry tomatoes (round)
2 balls mozzarella (about 250 g total)
1 red onion
1 lemon
4 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
1 small red chili pepper
salt and pepper

Method

Preheat the grill. Halve the bell peppers, remove seeds, cut into wide strips. Grill for 8 minutes until charred.
Slice cherry tomatoes and mozzarella into even round slices or leave small balls whole.
Slice the red onion into thin half rings.
Mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, mustard, honey, lemon juice, finely chopped chili, salt, and pepper into a spicy vinaigrette.
Spread the arugula as a base on a large platter.
Arrange 2-3 neat rows of alternating mozzarella and tomato (like pétanque balls) along the length of the platter.
Distribute grilled pepper strips and red onion around the rows.
Drizzle vinaigrette over just before serving.

Serving notes

Serve on a long platter to mimic a pétanque lane.
Offer baguette on the side to break the tension.