California Style Caprese Salad




The tomato and avocado are
alternated on the platter.

 With two ripe tomatoes and one avocado ready to go, I decided to create a colorful medley.  The original Caprese salad includes tomatoes, fresh sliced mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, an olive oil or balsamic dressing and sometimes capers and olives.  The tomatoes and cheese are sliced and alternated on a plate with basil tucked in and around.

servings:  4                    prep time: 10 minutes

In this version, I halved and sliced the avocado and tomatoes, seasoned them with sea salt and black pepper, and served as shown above.  Balsamic vinegar was served on the side if anyone wanted to drizzle.   Also, one could top this simple salad with toasted pinenuts, a couple of nicoise olives, and maybe a sprinkling of shredded mozzarella. 

Each serving of tomato and avocado offer 85 calories (1/2 of a tomato and 1/4 of an avocado), 4 grams of fiber and a multitude of vitamins and minerals including 10% of your daily value for potassium.  Keep it simple and keep it fresh!

-Kim Fielding