Cookwith

Name: Viral Kiss Cam Layered Summer Salad with Mirror Glaze Vinaigrette
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 English cucumber, diced; 1 yellow bell pepper, diced; 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced; 1 avocado, diced; 1/2 cup cooked quinoa, cooled; 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup roasted pistachios, chopped; 2 cups baby arugula; 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp sumac (optional, for color/zing)

Viral Kiss Cam Layered Summer Salad with Mirror Glaze Vinaigrette

CrushedLemon1034

Inspired by the viral Coldplay concert kiss cam, this salad is a playful, layered spectacle—each ingredient arranged with geometric precision to showcase the drama and intrigue of an unfolding story. The unexpected pairing of creamy avocado, savory feta, crunchy pistachios, and tangy-sweet mirror glaze vinaigrette mirrors the suspense and surprise of the concert's infamous moment. Colorful, fresh, and bursting with California summer produce, this dish is perfect for lively gatherings or as the centerpiece of a conversation-starting dinner. Each bite delivers a new textural twist—just like the unpredictable turns of a viral sensation.

Ingredients

Instructions

Arrange the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, yellow bell pepper, and red onion in neat geometric bands atop a large platter or shallow glass dish to evoke the ‘layered’ suspense and spectacle of a viral moment.
Sprinkle the cooked quinoa in a slim, even stripe through the center for a modern, textural accent.
Nestle diced avocado and crumbled feta artfully along the edges, creating pockets of creamy contrast.
Scatter the roasted pistachios for a crunchy, unexpected element reminiscent of a twist in the plot.
Tuck baby arugula and torn basil in clusters to add a pop of green, mirroring the unpredictability of the event.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, sea salt, black pepper, and sumac until glossy and emulsified, creating a ‘mirror glaze’ vinaigrette.
Drizzle the mirror glaze vinaigrette in a striking zig-zag over the top just before serving, for a visually arresting finish.
Serve immediately, using a large spoon to scoop through all layers for a dramatic, flavor-packed bite.