Grilled Caprese Salad

Here is a new twist on Caprese Salad. Grilled tomatoes and string cheese with your basil make a modified Caprese.

Ingredients:

1 stick light string cheese

2 tbsp. chopped fresh basil

1 large tomato

Optional seasonings: salt, black pepper, garlic powder



Directions:

Break string cheese into thirds and place in a blender or food processor -- blend at high speed until shredded. (Or pull into shreds and roughly chop.) Transfer to a small bowl, and mix with basil. 


Cut tomato in half horizontally. Carefully scoop out and discard the inside of each tomato half, leaving a hollow shell intact.


Bring a grill pan sprayed with nonstick spray to medium-high heat. 


If you like, sprinkle tomato halves with optional seasonings.
Place tomato halves on the grill pan with the cut sides down. Cook until slightly softened, about 2 minutes. 

Flip tomato halves.
Divide cheese-basil mixture between tomato halves.
Cover (any lid will do!) and cook for 2 more minutes, or until tomato has softened and cheese is warm.
MAKES 1 SERVING
Thanks to Hungry Girl for recipe.

Chicken Bruscheta Salad

Bruschetta Chicken Salad

We love the idea of a salad topped with chicken and a delicious tomato mixture

Ingredients:
Bruschetta Topping
1 cup chopped plum tomatoes (about 2 tomatoes)
1/4 cup chopped red onion (about 1/4th of an onion)
2 tbsp. drained and chopped roasted red peppers (packed in water)
2 tbsp. sliced black olives, finely chopped
1 tbsp. chopped fresh basil
1/2 tsp. chopped garlic

Salad
One 4-oz. raw boneless skinless lean chicken breast cutlet
Dash each salt and black pepper
4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
2 tsp. reduced-fat Parmesan-style grated topping
1 stick light string cheese, cut into coins
2 tbsp. fat-free or low-fat balsamic vinaigrette

Directions:
In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients for bruschetta topping and mix well. Cover and refrigerate.

Spray a grill pan (or skillet) with nonstick spray, and bring to medium heat on the stove. Season chicken with salt and pepper, and place in the pan. Cook for 4 - 5 minutes per side, until cooked through. Once cool enough to handle, slice chicken into strips and set aside.

Place lettuce on a large plate or in a large bowl. Add bruschetta topping and chicken. Sprinkle with Parmesan topping, and top with string cheese coins.

Top or serve salad with dressing.

MAKES 1 SERVING

Thanks to hungrygirl.com for great recipe ideas

Serving Size: 1 salad with dressing (entire recipe)
Calories: 360
Fat: 11g
Sodium: 988mg
Carbs: 26g
Fiber: 6.5g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 37.5g