Balsamic Quinoa Caprese Salad

This recipe for Caprese salad is a fresh burst of flavor that includes the nutrient-dense ingredients of balsamic vinaigrette and quinoa.

There are few recipes more delicious than the burst of flavors from a freshly made Caprese salad which traditionally includes mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with Balsamic dressing.

In my ongoing effort, however, to work smarter not harder, I created a more nutrient-dense version of this basic recipe by including quinoa which gives a plant-based boost of lean protein. For even more protein I often eat this salad with leftover shredded chicken as well.

On low-carb days, we make this Caprese salad with chicken and leave out the quinoa as I shared here.

You will note in the instructions that I only add 1/4c of Balsamic vinaigrette to the dish right before serving. This gives the dish flavor while still allowing others to customize it to their tastes. They can add more vinaigrette if they want more of that flavor.

Another tip is to use chicken or vegetable broth instead of plain water when making the quinoa. This gives more flavor to the quinoa base.

I use cherry or grape tomatoes in this Caprese salad recipe and cut them in half. And perhaps most important of all, a high-quality fresh mozzarella cheese makes all the difference.

As a quick reminder, my next round of the FASTer Way To Fat Loss starts this Monday, September 12th! Sign up today!!

Bon appetit!

For more yummy side dish ideas be sure to check out:

• 
  Slow Cooker Fajita Chicken Salad
• 
  Creamy Pudding Fruit Salad – Easy Recipe
• 
  Balsamic Quinoa Caprese Salad
• 
  Balsamic Chicken Caprese Stack
• 
  Low Carb Tuna Salad Sandwich

Balsamic Quinoa Caprese Salad

MY COOKING PHILOSOPHY IS TO KEEP IT HEALTHY AND EASY.

RECIPES AT HAMMERS N HUGS WILL INCLUDE ALL-NATURAL INGREDIENTS THAT CAN OFTEN BE FROZEN AND HAVE BEEN TESTED AND APPROVED BY FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

For more yummy side dish ideas be sure to check out:

• 
  Slow Cooker Fajita Chicken Salad
• 
  Creamy Pudding Fruit Salad – Easy Recipe
• 
  Balsamic Quinoa Caprese Salad
• 
  Balsamic Chicken Caprese Stack
• 
  Low Carb Tuna Salad Sandwich

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