Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

Simplicity is key in healthy eating. After all, you don’t have to create elaborate or fancy meals to boost your veggie or vitamin intake. Therefore, this Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes showcases how to build a simple and flavourful dish that you’re sure to love. Enjoy this salad any time of year or with fresh garden herbs.

Ingredients for our Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

What is a Caprese Salad?

Caprese is an Italian salad that traditionally consists of tomato, soft mozzarella, olive oil and basil. Additionally, the colours reflect an Italian flag with the green, white and red. Simple seasoning of salt and pepper pull the flavours forward. Interestingly, the salad is named after Capri, in Italy where it’s said to have originated.

Dietitian Andrea and her Caprese Salad

What’s the Nutrition of Tomatoes?

Tomatoes are a nutritious addition to the diet and significant contributor of vitamin C, which supports immunity, iron absorption and is beneficial for blood pressure. In fact, a one cup serving of cherry tomatoes provides 34% of your daily vitamin C. Additionally, tomatoes are rich in the antioxidant lycopene, which is a type of carotenoid that gives them the gorgeous deep red colour. Lastly, lycopene has been found to benefit heart health, cancer risk and also supports a healthy pregnancy.

Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate and vitamin K.

What’s the Water Content of Tomatoes?

Tomatoes, consisting of 95% water, are one of the most hydrating foods. Importantly, adequate hydrations support optimal organ functioning, temperature regulation, digestion and muscle performance and recovery. During pregnancy, hydration needs are also elevated due to the increasing blood volume and to support amniotic fluid around the fetus. Be sure to check out our latest post on Pregnancy Super Foods where I highlight more on the importance of water and choosing hydrating foods.

Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

• Serves: 1
• Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup arugula
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
• 1/2 cup bocconcini or soft mozzarella, sliced
• Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar
• 6-10 fresh basil leaves
• Season with fresh ground pepper and Kosher salt to taste

Directions for Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes:

1. Firstly, clean arugula and place on a plate.
2. Secondly, arrange cherry tomato slices and bocconcini on top.
3. Then, top with basil leaves for garnish.
4. Afterwards, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with balsamic vinegar. Usually, I use a ratio of twice as much olive oil to acid.
5. Finally, season with Kosher salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy!

Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

This Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes is simple and delicious.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup arugula or rocket
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
• 1/2 cup bocconcini or soft mozzarella, sliced
• Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar
• 6-10 fresh basil leaves
• Season with fresh ground pepper and Kosher salt to taste

Instructions

1. Firstly, clean arugula and place on a plate
2. Secondly, arrange cherry tomato slices and bocconcini cheese on top.
3. Then, top with basil leaves for garnish.
4. Afterwards, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with balsamic vinegar. Usually, I use a ratio of twice as much olive oil to acid.
5. Finally, season with Kosher salt and pepper to taste.