Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Salad

Credit: Alice Henly

Here's another classic, scrumptious way to enjoy the sweetness of cherry tomatoes while impressing your friends. College student or wage slave, we can all use quick lunch-for-one ideas that are easy on your waistline and your wallet. Feel free to play around with the ingredients depending on your preferences and/or whatever you have in the fridge.

Prep time: 5 mins. – Calories: 400 – Cost: $5

Salad Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups pearl cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 2 inch cube of mozzarella cheese, cut into small bites
• 8 large basil leaves, chopped finely (a small handful)

Salad Dressing:

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• salt and pepper (Coarse salt and cracked pepper is best)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• salt and pepper (Coarse salt and cracked pepper is best)

Method:

1. In the morning chop and combine all salad ingredients in a medium-sized container then mix together all dressing ingredients in a separate cup.
2. Pour salad dressing over salad. Sprinkle additional salt and pepper as you please. You should always combine the salad dressing with the salad in the morning as it marinades the salad letting the tomatoes and cheese soak up the dressing. Remember to pack a second small container with crackers or toasted bread (to prevent them from getting soggy).
3. Enjoy with your saltine crackers or toasted bread.

Note: If you buy fresh produce in bulk make up a big salad and store in smaller containers for lunch or dinner over a few days (fresh basil and cherry tomatoes in particular don’t last long in the fridge, but will keep much longer once assembled in a salad).