August 9, 2011: Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella Salad Recipe

As we suffer through the hot “Dog Days of Summer” in August, the last thing we want to do is heat up the oven or eat a “heavy” dish. So here’s a very quick, light and refreshing dish you can serve as an appetizer, a salad, or just a side dish. Be sure to use the freshest ingredients you can find, such as tomatoes picked right from the vine in your garden, for the tastiest combination of flavors.

Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella (also known as Caprese) Salad 

1 heirloom or other fresh, meaty tomato
1 bunch large basil leaves
8 ounces fresh mozzarella
Balsamic vinegar
Black peppercorns

Thinly slice the tomato and the mozzarella. If the tomato is very large, cut the slices in half. On a small plate, arrange a tomato slice, topped with a slice of mozzarella and a basil leaf. Repeat until one third of all ingredients are used. Continue with remaining ingredients to make a total of three individual salad plates. Drizzle with a bit of balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper. Serve at room temperature.

Tip: For an artful flair, use a squeeze bottle for the balsamic vinegar and make a design on the plate with it, then stack the tomato, basil and cheese in the middle.

May 16, 2011: A Manly Salad and Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe

My husband had to go to the doctor last week. He’s really been trying to get healthier by quitting smoking and drinking (he only drinks a beer every now and then) but one thing he hasn’t done is eat better. I try my best to force veggies down his throat when he’s home for dinner but there’s not much I can do about the fact that he stops at Circle K on the way to work and buys a pastry for breakfast or a greasy fast food hamburger for lunch.

Well, at this last doctor’s visit, he was horrified to find out he’d gained another five pounds in the last month or so when he’d already started out heavier than normal. I guess this was his wakeup call, at least for a day or two (we’ll see how long his healthy eating habit lasts)…

So the other night he insisted we just eat salad. Although I’d had a veggie wrap for lunch, which is basically salad in a tortilla, I acquiesced. Although this salad isn’t exactly real low in calories, it’s not too bad since I made the salad dressing. Here’s what we put in our salads (I’m not including measurements here because that’s really up to you and the size of your bowl):

Manly Salad

Romaine lettuce
Green leaf lettuce
Shredded carrot
Heirloom tomatoes, thinly sliced
Black olives
Deli ham slices, cubed
Broccoli sprouts
Hard boiled eggs
Sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
Freshly ground black pepper

Honey Mustard Salad Dressing

¼ cup honey
¼ cup olive oil
1 t. minced garlic
¼ cup Dijon mustard
¼ cup whole grain mustard

Mix all ingredients well. Makes enough for 2 large salads.