Tomato Mozzarella Salad

With Portland’s record breaking heat how are you staying cool? I’m avoiding turning on the stove. I was looking for a light salad for this month’s recipe and found these delicious tomatoes, and fresh basil at the Moreland Farmer’s Market. I mixed them with a little buffalo mozzarella, and a simple dressing of balsamic and olive oil. Try this and let me know what you think in the comments below.

Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad Recipe

 

Tomato Mozzarella Salad

 

Ingredients:

  • 3 medium tomatoes (or 12 bite sized tomatoes) sliced
  • ½ lb fresh buffalo mozzarella, sliced into bite sized pieces
  • ¼ cup basil leaves
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
  • 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. In your favorite serving dish, layer tomato slices, cheese slices, and basil.
  2. In a small jar combine oil, vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper. Shake jar to combine dressing.
  3. Sprinkle dressing over tomato and cheese slices, and serve.

Chipotle Sweet Potato Salad Recipe

One of my ladies brought this to a recent potluck (thanks Concetta!) and I loved it so much I am sharing it with you. The combination of smoky spices and bright colors offers a nice change from traditional potato salad. Loaded with fiber, B vitamins, and beta carotene, sweet potatoes pack a nutritional punch. Try this at your next BBQ and let me know what you think in the comments below…

Ingredients:
• 1 ½ lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1 inch pieces
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• Juice from one lime
• 1 tsp chipotle chill powder
• 1 tsp smoked sea salt*
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ cup finely chopped red onion
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro

 


Directions:
1. Steam potatoes: Fill a large pot with an inch of water and a pinch of salt. Place steamer basket in pot, and place potatoes into basket. Cover and steam for 7 – 10 minutes (until potatoes are just render when poked with a fork). Remove potatoes, spread them out on a large pan and chill.

2. Make dressing: Mix together mayo, lime juice, chili powder, salt, pepper, onion and cilantro.

3. Once the sweet potatoes have cooled, mix them with the dressing. Adjust seasonings to taste. Chill for a few minutes and serve cold.

*I found smoked sea salt and chipotle chili powder at New Seasons. You may substitute regular sea salt if you like.

 

Anne McCranie is a Portland (Sellwood), Oregon based Personal Trainer and Licensed Massage Therapist. She offers this recipe to tickle your taste buds. Please see your medical professional for specific dietary advice.