Living in Italian: Roasted Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is a quintessential Italian antipasto, traditionally made with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, which encompass the colors of the Italian flag! Thought to have originated in Capri, the luxurious and ancient island in the Gulf of Naples, you'll find a caprese salad in almost every restaurant or home kitchen in Italy. Caprese salad can be enjoyed as is as a delicious and refreshing appetizer during any time of year, or enhanced with protein and veggies to make a full meal. You can experiment with different herbs and toppings (like my famous pesto) for a variety of flavors for all occasions.
Ingredients:
Plum Tomatoes
Mozzarella di Bufala
Basil
Oregano
Peperoncino
Olive Oil
Sea Salt
Preparation:
Slice tomatoes into 1/2-inch slices, place on baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, oregano, peperoncino and sea salt to taste
Place tomatoes in oven and roast for 10-15 minutes; then let cool for 25-30 minutes
Slice mozarella into 1/2-inch thick slices and place on plate with tomatoes and basil
Top with Fiorella's Pesto and enjoy!
Nutrition RX:
Basil is packed with vitamin K, important for bone health and blood clotting, and has anti-inflammatory properties
Mozzarella Cheese is an excellent source of protein, important for keeping you feeling full, and calcium, an essential mineral for bone health
Tomatoes are filled with the antioxidant lycopene, which may reduce the risk of developing heart disease and cancer
Olive Oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are important for heart health, and in antioxidant properties