Easy Artichoke Caprese Salad

Nothing says summer like a fresh salad. Fresh ingredients are in abundance during the summer months, whether they are from your garden, a farmers market or the fresh section of your favorite store. Salads are an easy go-to side dish or main course that does not require cooking to be delicious and healthful. In the heat of the summer, if you are like me, I don’t want to do a lot of cooking with heat. It is already hot enough outside, especially this year. This easy artichoke caprese salad takes only about 10 min or less to prepare and is great as a side or main dish. It is super easy to make so is great for people of all cooking skill levels. Natural Food Chef Program

Why We Love It

Often times during the warmer months our appetite ebbs with the heat and we seek lighter fare to eat. This is not a bad thing at all it just means that we need to plan so that we get a well-rounded and balanced diet. This easy artichoke caprese salad offers us a little bit of everything we need on a daily basis to keep us going during the busy summer months. It has veggies, good fats, protein, and even fruit. It has colorful tomatoes which are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

The mozzarella cheese offers us good fat and protein to help us feel full. The artichokes are a great source of fiber and complex carbs. And, we must not forget the great superfood itself “the avocado”. Avocados are rich in fiber, vitamins, good for you fats, and even a little protein. Superfood or superhero? These foods are also rich in potassium and magnesium, along with added salt or sodium all of which are essential electrolytes that help us stay hydrated in the heat of summer. You can learn all about how to craft a well-rounded nutrition plan for yourself or others in our Nutrition Therapist Master Certification program.

Let’s Make It!

Easy Artichoke Caprese Salad

Total time 15 min

Makes up to 4 servings

Ingredients:

1 Jar of Marinated Artichokes

1 Package Cherry Tomatoes ( I like the mixed heirloom ones for the colors)

2 Ripe Avocados sliced

1 Package Mozzarella Cheese Pearls (if not available just use fresh cubed buffalo mozzarella

1 to 2 tsp Balsamic Vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Drain artichokes reserving the liquid for the dressing. When completely drained place in a medium size mixing bowl.
2. Open and separate the Mozzarella pearls and pat dry with paper towel. Add the peals to the mixing bowl.
3. Slice Cherry Tomatoes and place in the mixing bowl.
4. Prepare the avocado slices and set aside.
5. To prepare the dressing use the liquid marinade from the artichokes and add in the balsamic vinegar one Tsp. at a time or to taste. Mix well and lightly pour desired amount over the ingredients in the mixing bowl.
6. Using two large serving spoons lightly toss together all ingredients.
7. Add Salt and pepper to taste
8. Place on serving dish and top with the avocado slices.
9. Sprinkle with fresh ground pepper and Enjoy.

This recipe can be eaten as an appetizer served with crackers or toast points, a  side dish or quickly turned into a main dish with a grilled protein of your choice or added pasta of your choice. It is easy, versatile, delicious and nutritious. It is absolutely one of my favorite dishes to make. Make it your own by adding additional fresh veg, some peaches or whatever you like.

From My Table to Yours Enjoy!

By Jenn LePlatt, NFC

Chef Snacks

This month’s chef snacks are all about hydration and keeping it fun and delicious. Just as the Caprese salad above is rich in electrolytes these fun easy to make Ice cubes are a great way to give your water a boost of nutritional flavor.

In a large capacity ice cube tray or a muffin tin (depending on what you have handy) place a slice of lemon, a slice of lime, some finely chopped ginger, a grapefruit quarter or berry of your choice. Then fill with coconut water, aloe vera water, tea, or just plain water. Freeze till solid and then add to your water container for all-day flavor and a boost of electrolytes. Mix it up and have some fun all while getting the hydration we need during the summer.

Happy Hydrating!

Jenn

About the Author: Jenn LePlatt is a Natural Food Chef and Nutrition Therapist Master Candidate. Her zest for learning everything nutrition is contagious. One of her favorite things is to share nutritious “tidbits” of food and information. “We all have a superpower, mine is to nourish”.

Images by Jenn LePlatt