A leafy green version of an Italian favorite
Tales of the Dinner Belle
By Brenda Stanley
A salad can be the perfect side dish, but it can also be pretty boring if you simply resort to lettuce and dressing. However, chopping, sprinkling, and measuring a bunch of ingredients can turn an easy and healthy side dish into a chore. That is why I love my leafy green caprice salad. It’s a flavorful and fresh side dish that can be put together in a few quick and easy steps. This salad has all the traditional caprice ingredients, but with a leafy bed of greens. This not only adds flavor but also some extra vitamins and even protein. I add some shredded parmesan to give it a little extra flavor and the fresh basil leaves are what really make this salad unique, so make sure you find fresh basil. And with spring right around the corner, this is a great excuse to plant a little container of the herb in your kitchen for the special ingredient that will make this salad a family favorite in your house too.
Belle’s Leafy Green Caprice Salad
4 cups fresh baby spinach, romaine, or other greens
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, sliced thinly
10 grape tomatoes, sliced in half
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
In a large bowl, toss together the spinach, basil leaves, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. Divide into four serving bowls and drizzle with the vinegar.
