Simple, satisfying, elegant, and naturally beautiful, caprese salad is a healthy summer option to get your protein and vegetable servings at a meal. Add a couple slices of a whole wheat seeded bread roll for a healthy carbohydrate. Use the bread as an added bonus to soak up any leftover olive oil and balsamic vinegar left on the plate. Yum!
Fresh mozzarella and slices of tomato are drizzled with the spice of olive oil, sweetness of aged balsamic vinegar, and boldness of fresh diced basil.
Ingredients (8 servings):
4 medium mozzarella balls
4 roma or other medium tomatoes
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, ideally first-pressed, may be flavor-infused if desired
2 tbsp aged balsamic vinegar (the older, the sweeter)
2 tbsp minced fresh basil, plus 1 sprig for garnish
salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
This is easy. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella balls into round slices.
Arrange them on a plate alternating one slice of tomato with one of mozzarella, going around in a circle.
Top with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, basil, salt and pepper to taste, and add garnish.
If you want an extra pop of color, you can add some red sweet onions, or black or red olives for more garnish.
One serving contains about 120 calories and 0 carb servings; 9g fat, 1g saturated fat, 2g fiber, 1g sugar, 88mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 250mg potassium, 335mg phosphorous, 15g protein