Healthy Italian Recipe for Two Servings: Quinoa Caprese Salad⤵️

Italian cuisine is known for its rich flavors and fresh ingredients. However, it can sometimes be heavy on calories and fats. In this blog post, we will explore a healthy Italian recipe that is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. We will be making a Quinoa Caprese Salad, a twist on the classic Caprese salad that incorporates quinoa for added protein and fiber. This recipe is perfect for two people and it's ideal for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner.

Quinoa is often referred to as a superfood due to its impressive nutritional profile. It is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies need. Additionally, quinoa is gluten-free, high in fiber, and loaded with vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, iron, and B vitamins. By incorporating quinoa into our Caprese salad, we enhance its nutritional value while keeping it light and refreshing.

Ingredients for our Quinoa Caprese Salad, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Salad:⤵️

• 1 cup quinoa (uncooked)
• 2 cups water (for cooking quinoa)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves (optionally, or if any substitute desired green leafy veggies for salad)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:⤵️

- 1 avocado (sliced)

- 1/4 cup pine nuts (toasted)

Calorie Content

Before we proceed into the preparation, let's take a look at the calorie content of our main ingredients:

• Quinoa (1 cup cooked): Approximately 222 calories
• Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup): Approximately 30 calories
• Fresh Mozzarella (1 cup): Approximately 300 calories
• Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Approximately 120 calories
• Balsamic Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Approximately 14 calories
• Fresh Basil (1 cup): Approximately 1 calorie
• Salt and Pepper: Negligible calories
• Total Caloric Content for the Salad (without optional toppings):Approximately 687 calories for the entire salad, which is about 344 calories per 1 serving.

Optional Toppings:

• Avocado (1 medium): Approximately 240 calories
• Pine Nuts (1/4 cup): Approximately 200 calories
• Total Caloric Content with Optional Toppings: Approximately1127 calories for the entire salad, which is about 563 calories per serving.

 Health Benefits⤵️

1. High in Protein: Quinoa is an excellent source of plant-based protein, making this salad a great option for vegetarians and vegans.

2. Rich in Antioxidants: Cherry tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.

3. Healthy Fats: The olive oil and avocado provide healthy monounsaturated fats that are beneficial for heart health.

4. Fiber-Rich: Quinoa and cherry tomatoes are high in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.

5. Vitamins and Minerals: This salad is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from tomatoes and magnesium from quinoa.

Preparation Instructions⤵️

Now that we have our ingredients and understand their health benefits, let’s get started with the preparation of the Quinoa Caprese Salad.

 Step1: Cook the Quinoa⤵️

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can be bitter.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil.

3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed.

4. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

 Step2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients⤵️

1. While the quinoa is cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes and set them aside.

2. Drain the mozzarella balls if they are packed in water.

3. Wash and dry the fresh basil leaves.

Step3: Combine the Ingredients⤵️

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves.

2. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Gently toss everything together until well combined.

Step4: Serve⤵️

1. Divide the salad into two bowls or plates.

2. If desired, top with sliced avocado and toasted pine nuts for added flavor and nutrition.

3. Enjoy your healthy Quinoa Caprese Salad!

This Quinoa Caprese Salad is a delightful and nutritious twist on a classic Italian dish. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for a healthy meal for two. With the combination of quinoa, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats, this salad is not only satisfying but also provides numerous health benefits.

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. Enjoy the fresh taste of Italy while nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients. Buon appetito!---

This recipe can easily be scaled up or down depending on your needs. You can also prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a quick meal during the week. Just be sure to add the avocado and pine nuts just before serving to keep them fresh.

1/4 Cup Olive Oil (2 fl. oz)
5 Cloves Minced Garlic
1 Large Yellow Onion, chopped
4 Cups Vegetable Broth (32 fl. oz)
2 Cups Rice (16 oz)
4 Medium Tomatoes, skinned, seeded and chopped
1 Small Red Bell Pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips
1 Small Green Bell Pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips
1 Small Yellow Bell Pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips
1 Cup Green Peas (4 oz)
2 Cups Artichoke Hearts (14 oz) tough outer leaves removed and quartered
1 LemonLemon Wedges, to garnish

• Heat the olive oil in a paella pan and saute the onion and garlic until the onion is tender and translucent. At the same time, heat the broth in a separate saucepan until simmering.
• Pour the rice into the paella pan and saute for about 3 minutes. Add the bell peppers and tomatoes and cook for a further 3 minutes. Add the simmering vegetable broth and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes or until almost tender and almost all the liquid has been absorbed. Stir in the peas.
• Sprinkle the artichoke hearts with a few drops of lemon juice and arrange over the rice in an attractive pattern. Continue cooking until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
• Serve the paella straight from the pan, garnished with lemon wedges.

8 Serving:
Per Serving (excluding unknown items):

• 380 Calories;
• 9g Fat (21.9% calories from fat);
• 10g Protein;
• 66g Carbohydrate;
• 7g Dietary Fiber;
• 1mg Cholesterol;
• 864mg Sodium.

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups tomatoes, seeded and peeled
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 bay leaf
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon thyme
1/2 cup onions, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt, to taste
1/4 teaspoon pepper, to taste
1/2 cup dry white wine

1. Salt and pepper chicken.
2. Saute in oil for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Add garlic, onions, wine, tomatoes, bay leaf and thyme. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, until chicken is done. Discard bay leaf before serving.



4 Serving:

Nutrional Facts per serving:

• Calories - 168
• Sodium - 482mg
• Total Carbohydrates - 11g
• Fiber - 2g
• Protein - 14g
• Vitamin A - 23%
• Vitamin C - 50%
• Iron - 5%

2 tbsp cooking oil

500 Gr. Tomatoes, rinsed and dried
2 Medium Onions, peeled and finely chopped (not grated)
1/4 Teaspoon PaprikaSalt and Black Pepper
1 Teacup Fresh Spearmint, finely chopped
2 Tablespoons Parsley, finely chopped
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
150 Grams Flour, Self-rising
Sunflower Oil, for frying

• Put the rinsed and dried tomatoes whole into a large bowl.
• Squeeze and manipulate them with the hands, until they turn into a pulpy substance.
• This is the only way to do it as you need the skins to give some substance.
• Next, mix all the ingredients together, apart from the flour.
• Add enough flour gradually to make a thickish but moist paste.
• You will probably not need all the flour.
• The mixture can now wait until it is time to be cooked and eaten.
• Put about 2.5 cm oil in a large frying pan.
• When the oil is hot, but not smoking, drop in tablespoons of the mixture and fry, turning the rissoles over once, until lightly golden all over.
• Serve immediately.

4 Serving

1/4 Kg Chopped Onions
1/2 Kg Fresh Tomatoes
2 Cloves Garlic
1 Kilogram Round Eggplants (Aubergine)
Salt to taste
Pinch Pepper
Olive Oil

1. Sautee the onions in a frying pan.Set aside.


2. Clean, chop and mash the fresh tomatoes (use 2 cans of preserved chopped tomatoes if have). Mash the garlic cloves in a mortar. Mix the tomatoe mash with the garlic and onion


3. Wash the eggplants. Slice them horizontally in slices of 1 1/2 cm width. Put the butter on a pan and place the eggplants slices. Simmer the tomatoe mash with the onions for a while. Then, pour the tomatoe mixture into the eggplant slices. Preheat the oven in 200 degrees C and bake for 45 minutes.

Nutrition Per Serving:

• 80 Calories;


• 1g Fat (6.5% calories from fat);


• 3g Protein;


• 18g Carbohydrate;


• 6g Dietary Fiber;


• 0mg Cholesterol;


• 15mg Sodium.

Health Benefits of Tomato



Abundant Source of Antioxidants. Tomato contains large amount of lycopene, an antioxidant highly effective in scavenging cancer causing free radicals.The lycopene in tomato fights against cancer and has been shown to be particularly effective in fighting prostate cancer, cervical cancer, cancer of the stomach and rectum as well as pharynx and oesophageal cancers.

Reduces Cholesterol and Protects Heart. The lycopene in tomato prevents serum lipid oxidation, thus exerting protective effect against cardiovascular diseases. The regular consumption of tomato has proved to decrease the levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. These lipids are the key culprits in cardiovascular diseases and lead to deposition of fats in the blood vessels.

Counters the Effect of Cigarette Smoke. The two main components of tomatoes, coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid, fight against nitrosamines which are produced in the body and are the main carcinogens found in cigarette smoke.
Rich Source of Vitamins and Minerals. A single tomato can provide about 40% of daily vitamin C requirement. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant which acts against cancer-causing free radicals. It also contains abundant vitamin A and potassium as well as iron. Potassium plays a vital role in maintaining nerve health and iron is essential for maintaining normal blood health. Vitamin K which is essential in blood clotting and controls bleeding is abundant in tomatoes.

Rich Source of Vitamins and Minerals. Rich Source of Vitamins and Minerals. A single tomato can provide about 40% of daily vitamin C requirement. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant which acts against cancer-causing free radicals. It also contains abundant vitamin A and potassium as well as iron. Potassium plays a vital role in maintaining nerve health and iron is essential for maintaining normal blood health. Vitamin K which is essential in blood clotting and controls bleeding is abundant in tomatoes. One serving of red, ripe, raw tomatoes (one cup or 150 grams) is a good source of Vitamins A, C, K, folate and potassium. Tomatoes are naturally low in sodium, saturated fat, cholesterol, and calories. Tomatoes also provide thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, magnesium, phosphorus and copper, all of which are necessary for good health.
On top of that, one serving of tomatoes gives you 2 grams of fiber, which is 7% of the daily recommended amount. Tomatoes also have a relatively high water content, which makes them a filling food. In general eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, confers protection against high blood pressure, high cholesterol, strokes, and heart disease.
One tomato packs one powerful punch of nutrition, but there’s much more!

Keeps Gut Healthy:  The two main components of tomatoes, coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid, fight against nitrosamines which are produced in the body and are the main carcinogens found in cigarette smoke.

Alleviates Diabetes. Daily consumption of tomatoes reduces the oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes.

For Healthy Skin. Tomato aids in maintaining healthy teeth, bones, hair and skin. Topical application of tomato juice is known to cure severe sunburns. Daily consumption of tomato protects the skin against UV-induced erythema. Tomato ranks high in preparation of anti-aging products.

Prevents Urinary Tract Infections. Tomato intake also reduces the incidence of urinary tract infections as well as bladder cancer.

Prevents Gallstones. Regular consumption of tomato can also dissolve gallstones.

1. Lightly brush buns and barracuda steaks with olive oil. 
2. Warm or toast buns on the grill then set aside to keep warm. 
3. Grill barracuda steaks to desired doneness (10 minutes total per inch of thickness). 
4. Place on a plate and remove skin and bones. 
5. Pile grilled barracuda on one side of bun and top with tomato relish.

TOMATO RELISH:
Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and cook uncovered until thick, about 20 minutes. Serve warm.

Makes approximately 2 1/3 cups

• 2 large ripe tomatoes,halved
• 2 green onions,minced
• 1 tsp. minced fresh parsley
• 1/4 tsp. salt Dash pepper