Appetite From Hell

The Italian Caprese Salad has been around for some time, and is a staple in many Italian restaurants!

My first job was at an Italian restaurant, where I would normally get one of these a few times a week. The traditional salad is made with sliced tomatoes, sliced fresh mozzarella, arugula, olive oil, balsamic vinegar reduction, salt, and pepper with other herbs or spices being personal preference.

My version is made with a few tweaks for personal preference and ease of ingredients! Give this recipe a try for a yummy variety on salads, or a fresh snack on a summer day!

Ingredients

• Fresh spinach
• Fresh basil
• Grape tomatoes
• Mozzarella pearls
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar reduction
• Chili pepper flakes
• Salt
• Pepper

I would suggest having your balsamic reduction already made before assembling your salad. My balsamic reduction is nothing special, just balsamic vinegar with a little bit of sugar simmered until it is, well, reduced…

1. Wash and chop your fresh greens
2. Slice the grape tomatoes in half
3. Put everything in a large mixing bowl
4. Add your mozzarella pearls
5. Add the chili pepper flakes, salt, and pepper
6. Drizzle some olive oil in
7. Give it a big stir
8. Serve your portion on a plate
9. Drizzle the balsamic reduction on top
10. Garnish and serve however you please!

I like using fresh ingredients and keeping things as simple as possible! Enjoy this simple snack, appetizer, or salad!