with Chef Robert Larios
Photography by Patricia M. Larios
This salad is my special treat for all you food lovers. I’ve mixed a spinach salad, full of vitamins A, K and C, with the traditional Italian caprese salad. This combo is sure to make your taste buds dance!
Imagine this: bright, soft spinach leaves mixed with small, red tomatoes packed with health-boosting antioxidants, health experts say. I’ve thrown in pieces of fresh mozzarella cheese, which is known for being high in protein and calcium.
For a bit of a twist, I’ve added chickpeas, known for their high fiber and protein content. They provide a smooth texture that contrasts well with the crunchy golden ciabatta croutons, made from a type of Italian bread known for its crispy outside and chewy inside.
All these ingredients, each bringing their own unique nutritional benefits and textures, are mixed together under a creamy balsamic dressing. Balsamic vinegar adds a sweet and sour kick and is also known for health benefits like reducing cholesterol and helping digestion, according to experts.
This salad is sort of like the famous combo of chocolate and peanut butter, but it’s got its own unique twist. It shows how mixing different food elements can create a dish that’s not just yummy, but also good for you. Enjoy your meal!
¡Buen provecho!
Spinach Caprese Salad with Chickpeas, Ciabatta Croutons and Dressing
Step 1: Prep - Wash and dry produce. Halve tomatoes lengthwise. Dice mozzarella into half-inch pieces. Halve ciabatta; drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with half the garlic powder (all for 4 servings). Toast until golden. Drain and rinse chickpeas.
Step 2: Start Dressing - In a small bowl, whisk together half the vinegar, half the mayonnaise, half the mustard, and half-teaspoon sugar until smooth. (For 4 servings, use all the vinegar, all the mayonnaise, all the mustard, and 1 teaspoon sugar.) Slowly whisk in 2 tablespoons olive oil (4 tablespoons for 4) until creamy; season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Make Croutons (or Not!) - Dice toasted ciabatta into 1-inch pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Or use your favorite pre-made croutons if you don’t want to make them.
Step 4: Finish and Serve - In a large bowl, combine spinach, tomatoes, mozzarella, croutons, half the chickpeas (all for 4 servings), and as much dressing as you like. (You’ll have extra dressing; save for another use.) Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Ingredients
Directions
Step 1: Prep - Wash and dry produce. Halve tomatoes lengthwise. Dice mozzarella into half-inch pieces. Halve ciabatta; drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with half the garlic powder (all for 4 servings). Toast until golden. Drain and rinse chickpeas.
Step 2: Start Dressing - In a small bowl, whisk together half the vinegar, half the mayonnaise, half the mustard, and half-teaspoon sugar until smooth. (For 4 servings, use all the vinegar, all the mayonnaise, all the mustard, and 1 teaspoon sugar.) Slowly whisk in 2 tablespoons olive oil (4 tablespoons for 4) until creamy; season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Make Croutons (or Not!) - Dice toasted ciabatta into 1-inch pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Or use your favorite pre-made croutons if you don’t want to make them.
Step 4: Finish and Serve - In a large bowl, combine spinach, tomatoes, mozzarella, croutons, half the chickpeas (all for 4 servings), and as much dressing as you like. (You’ll have extra dressing; save for another use.) Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Notes
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Food Lover’s Dictionary
Chickpea: Irregularly shaped, buffed-colored legumes have a firm texture and mild, nutlike flavor. Chickpeas (also called garbanzo beans and ceci) are used extensively in the Mediterranean, India and the Middle East for dishes such as couscous and hummus. They’ve also found their way into Spanish cuisine, Italian minestrone, and various Mexican dishes. They’re most commonly used in salads, soups and stews Bibliography: Copyright Barron’s Educational Services, Inc. 2009, adapted from The New Food Lover’s Companion, 2007, by Sharon Tyler Herbst and Ron Herbst. Recipe: Hellofresh.com – https://www.hellofresh.com/recipes/spinach-caprese-salad-621e859bb089c66fdb1a559b. Accessed Feb. 15, 2024 |
Cooking Tidbit: This recipe calls for ciabatta bread and making it into croutons. Instead, I recommend that you use your favorite brand of croutons to save time, and you won’t lose on flavor. If you would like to know my favorite brand of croutons, contact me at alive@employeesclub.com
Food Quote:“This salad is a symphony of flavors and textures. Each ingredient, from the spinach to the mozzarella, contributes to a culinary masterpiece. It’s proof that great food balances taste with harmony.”
– Chef Robert Larios
