Un Insalada Mediterannea

When I made my calzones Loaded Calzones I had to have something to serve alongside them as well. I couldn’t just serve calzones and nothing else. And if you’ve noticed, I like to cook in themes. So, calzones are Italian, I needed an Italian side dish to go with them. I created my own version of a Mediterranean salad or, un insalada Mediterannea. It was super easy and super simple to make, all from basic ingredients most of us have in our pantries already.

Insalada Mediterrnea

1 can artichoke hearts, drained and cut in half

2-3 hearts of palm, sliced very thin

1/2-1 bell pepper, any color, or a mix, chopped

1/4 cup green onions, sliced thin

1 cup mix olives, sliced

1 cup tomatoes – I used the very tiny tomatoes

lettuce, chopped rough

Parmigiano cheese, optional for topping

pepita seeds, optional for topping

Gently toss everything, except the lettuce and the toppings, together in the lemon vinaigrette then serve atop a bed of chopped lettuce. Top with the Parmagiano cheese and/or the pepita seeds and enjoy. Mine has the pepita seeds and Larry’s has the cheese.

Lemon Vinaigrette

1/2 cup olive oil

2-3 TBSP lemon balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup white wine or Proseco vinegar

3-4 sprigs of fresh thyme, chopped

fresh ground pepper and salt to taste

Combine everything together thoroughly. This is a very light dressing and can be used as either a dressing or a light marinade for chicken or seafood too.

Sometimes the best things in life, and in cooking, are the simple things. Have a great day Everyone. Stay safe and stay well. ‘Til next time.