Hailing from the beautiful Italian island of Capri, the Caprese Salad is great all year long and is perfect as either an entrée or an appetizer. Created in the 1950s as a light lunch for regulars at a famed Italian restaurant, Trattoria da Vincenzo, the Caprese Salad is a favorite for those on our Low Carb Diets and weight loss management programs because it’s filling and packed with flavor, yet also very nutritious. Plus, it’s very easy and quick to prepare.

Tomatoes are densely packed with an array of nutrients and antioxidants that make them a staple of a healthy diet. They are a rich source of the four major antioxidant carotenoids: alpha- and beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein, which together boast beneficial synergy. Tomatoes contain very high levels of lycopene, which has been shown to protect your skin from sunburn by acting as an internal sunscreen and helps prevent a variety of chronic illnesses and diseases, from diabetes and osteoporosis to cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. In addition, lycopene promotes a healthy heart by preventing LDL cholesterol from being oxidized by free radicals.

Tomatoes are also rich in biotin, molybdenum and vitamins A, C and K, and are a good source of dietary fiber, niacin, copper, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, folate and vitamins B6 and E.

For best results, use fresh mozzarella. Click through to learn about our Low Carb diets and weight loss management programs.

Ingredients
4 large vine-ripened tomatoes
2 cups fresh mozzarella
6 to 8 basil leaves, sliced
2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
Himalayan sea salt and freshly ground pepper

Slice both the mozzarella and the tomato into eight slices, about ¼ inch thick. Top with the tomato slices and basil leaves. For nice visuals, alternate and overlap the basil and tomato. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Season with Himalayan sea salt and freshly ground pepper and serve.

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