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Recipes

Three Easy Twists on the Classic Caprese

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at Wash U chapter.

Caprese is the best salad in disguise ever. It tastes delicious, and its ingredients are packed with health benefits–all without a single piece of spinach or romaine lettuce in sight. Its simplicity makes it a perfectly versatile dish, easy to dress up and down.

Caprese lovers, rejoice: here are three easy and delicious ways to spice up the mozzarella, tomato and basil classic. They are sure to make an easy lunch, a quick snack or a simple meal that’s perfect for sharing.

Caprese Pasta Salad

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 5 minutesCook time: 15 minutesTotal time: 20 minutesServings:3 servings

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Rachel Hellman

    Cook pasta according to box directions.

  2. Rachel Hellman

    Cut the tomatoes in half.

  3. Rachel Hellman

    Add olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper and pesto to the pasta.

  4. Rachel Hellman

    Add the tomato, mozzarella pearls and basil.

  5. Rachel Hellman

    Mix well and enjoy!

Caprese Calzone

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 5 minutesCook time: 10 minutesTotal time: 15 minutesServings:4 servings

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Rachel Hellman

    Preheat oven to 425° F. Divide and lay out the pizza crust.

  2. Rachel Hellman

    Slice the tomatoes.

  3. Rachel Hellman

    Place the tomato, mozzarella and basil on the pizza dough.

  4. Rachel Hellman

    Fold over the pizza dough and seal.

  5. Rachel Hellman

    Bake calzones for 9-11 minutes or until golden brown, and enjoy immediately.

Caprese Avocado Toast

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 5 minutesCook time: minutesTotal time: 5 minutesServings:2 servings

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. IMG 1553

    Scoop out the center of the avocados.

  2. IMG 1555

    Mash in the lemon juice, salt and pepper.

  3. Rachel Hellman

    Slice the tomatoes in half.

  4. Rachel Hellman

    Spread the avocado mixture on the toasted bread.

  5. Rachel Hellman

    Layer on tomato and mozzarella, and lightly drizzle Balsamic vinegar on top.

After trying these three simple but delicious recipes, I hope you feel as if you have just taken a short vacation to the coast of Italy. Not only did you make something delicious in just a few minutes, but you put wholesome ingredients in your body (read: win-win-win). 

Dim Sum enthusiast ready to take on the culinary scene in St. Louis. I am double majoring in Political Science and Communication Design and my taste in food is just as scattered as my interests!